Clin Toxicol (Phila) June 2010 PMID 20586571

Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug.

Yaron Finkelstein, Steven E Aks, Janine R Hutson, David N Juurlink, Patricia Nguyen, Gal Dubnov-Raz, Uri Pollak, Gideon Koren, Yedidia Bentur

Mentions

124
Peak: 39 in Jan 2021
across 5 sources since Feb 2020

Extended reach

278,508
potential audience

Total likes

782

Video views

129,698

Mentions per month

Feb 2020 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News58 articles
  • X / Twitter53 posts
  • Blogs8 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions consistently underline that colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window and can be extremely toxic, with examples like references to its potential for fatal overdose and misuse in treatments for COVID-19, which reflect both concern and the need for careful management. The tone varies from cautionary to urgent, emphasizing both danger and the importance of proper monitoring, which underscores the high impact of the topic.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions emphasize the serious toxicity and dangers of colchicine, supporting the article’s warning about its narrow safety margin.

InterestHigh interest

The posts demonstrate high interest by highlighting specific cases, risks, and chemical properties of colchicine, showing engagement with the subject matter.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many users reference detailed information, such as overdose risks, therapeutic index, and toxicity cases, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The conversations stress the importance of awareness and careful use, suggesting this discussion could influence clinical practice and safety protocols.

Abstract in brief

  • Colchicine is primarily used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever but has a narrow safety margin, making it easy to accidentally overdose, which can lead to severe toxicity and poor outcomes.
  • The drug is absorbed quickly, stored in cells, metabolized by the liver, and excreted by kidneys; doses above 0.5 mg/kg can be fatal, and certain drugs like antibiotics and grapefruit juice can increase its toxicity.
  • Its toxicity results from disrupting microtubules in cells, impairing vital cellular functions like protein transport and cell division, which can cause widespread organ failure.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Steve Aks
@ERtox · X

Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug" for the well-know toxicity https://t.co/H77ILEY2la @BogochIsaac @Dr_YFinkelstein https://t.co/zlMZO2Uw0d

Jan 23, 2021 · 58 likes · 20 shares · 1,803 followers View post →
Leonardo Rovatti
@leorovatti · X

Principalmente levando em conta o uso fora do ambiente hospitalar como sugere o estudo do MHI, e também por ser um medicamento q se usado de forma errada pode apresentar efeitos colaterais importantes https://t.co/dg3WqmFNN6

Jan 24, 2021 · 37 likes · 3,654 followers View post →
Angela Uyen Cateriano MD, MsC,MBA, MA.IR
@AnGeLaUyEn · X

@emezones NOTA: la toxicidad por colchicina puede presentarse en varias formas, desde diarreas hasta falla multiorgánica y muerte. Quienes se han Mal acostumbrado a la auto y sobre medicación (ivermectina), sepan la colchicina puede ser peligrosa. https://t.co/9ZBK1KnY9R

Jan 27, 2021 · 8 likes · 3 shares · 11,385 followers View post →
Todd C. Lee
@DrToddLee · X

Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 6 likes · 4 shares · 14,939 followers View post →
Mary
@MHPoison1 · X

@Rubrum_Cato @CatDocMD It's a very nasty OD with narrow therapeutic window & a problem for peds ingestions in low doses A decent overview: https://t.co/zSyFSpfCkK

Feb 22, 2022 · 6 likes · 6,533 followers View post →
April
@sciApril · X

it would take ~4 L of water, ~3 lbs of sugar, but only a tiny tiny tiny amount of the toxin tetanospasmin to kill me. why are some compounds so deadly?

Apr 3, 2022 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 618 followers View post →

All mentions

Mechanism of Colchicine in Treating Gout Attacks

Colchicine is used to prevent or treat gout attacks by addressing inflammatory arthritis caused by crystalized monosodium urate deposits. It affects the molecular pathology by preventing microtubule formation, impacting…

StudyMed · Feb 5, 2020 121,890 views

Cellular Mechanisms of Deadly Poisons Revealed

In this video, we go over four deadly poisons to reveal the cellular mechanisms of how they kill. We also explore their medicinal uses and highlight animals that exhibit immunity. Additionally, we discuss colchicine…

bioZone · Mar 25, 2022 7,751 views
Pawan Rao MD, FASN
@nephronus · X

#Colchicine toxicity-AKI, colitis, pancytopenia, MSOF. Of 140 reported deaths in US FDA database 60 were due to co-administration with macrolide. Rx supportive. It is dialyzable, so HD can be used in severe cases with AKI. https://t.co/NPcBQiTpfn #nephtwitter

Aug 21, 2023 · 1 like · 995 followers View post →
EAPCCT
@eapcct · X

For a more complete overview: https://t.co/h1YvFNn0UE

Apr 21, 2023 · 4 likes · 1,753 followers View post →
G. Hak.
@G11911 · X

Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug https://t.co/IPm4uFV2nI

Aug 1, 2022 · 632 followers View post →
Daniel of the Shire
@countrsignal · X

RT @sciApril: it would take ~4 L of water, ~3 lbs of sugar, but only a tiny tiny tiny amount of the toxin tetanospasmin to kill me. why are…

Apr 3, 2022 · 2 shares · 759 followers View post →
bioZone
@thebiozone · X

RT @sciApril: it would take ~4 L of water, ~3 lbs of sugar, but only a tiny tiny tiny amount of the toxin tetanospasmin to kill me. why are…

Apr 3, 2022 · 2 shares · 186 followers View post →
April
@sciApril · X

it would take ~4 L of water, ~3 lbs of sugar, but only a tiny tiny tiny amount of the toxin tetanospasmin to kill me. why are some compounds so deadly?

Apr 3, 2022 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 618 followers View post →
Academic YouTubers
@YTacademics · X

RT @thebiozone: this lily contains the cytoskeleton disruptor colchicine! We talk about this deadly compound as well as 3 others in our la…

Mar 28, 2022 · 2 shares · 2,106 followers View post →
April
@sciApril · X

RT @thebiozone: this lily contains the cytoskeleton disruptor colchicine! We talk about this deadly compound as well as 3 others in our la…

Mar 27, 2022 · 2 shares · 618 followers View post →
bioZone
@thebiozone · X

this lily contains the cytoskeleton disruptor colchicine! We talk about this deadly compound as well as 3 others in our latest video 'deadly poisons and how they kill you'

Mar 27, 2022 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 186 followers View post →
Mary
@MHPoison1 · X

@Rubrum_Cato @CatDocMD It's a very nasty OD with narrow therapeutic window & a problem for peds ingestions in low doses A decent overview: https://t.co/zSyFSpfCkK

Feb 22, 2022 · 6 likes · 6,533 followers View post →
Paul Bleicher
@pbleic · X

@boltyboy Colchicine has a very low therapeutic index - it can be extremely toxic and even fatal at doses not that much higher than typical therapeutic doses. It should NEVER be an OTC drug. https://t.co/izOhaZKBrl

Nov 12, 2021 · 4 likes · 5,875 followers View post →
She's the kisser
@NoMscdct · X

コルヒチン中毒総説 https://t.co/aVd5YlCUYY https://t.co/Te0baEbQCy 一般の人には手に入りにくいものの、これは事故を招く危険なツイート https://t.co/BjnQOufk8a

Aug 29, 2021 · 73 followers View post →
Cliff Dominy
@CliffDominy · X

@YoniFreedhoff I’ll wait for the vaccine thanks. https://t.co/ocJ8eDgZ3f

Jan 28, 2021 · 381 followers View post →
Luis Rodriguez
@luisfranco_2014 · X

RT @AnGeLaUyEn: @emezones NOTA: la toxicidad por colchicina puede presentarse en varias formas, desde diarreas hasta falla multiorgánica y…

Jan 28, 2021 · 3 shares · 937 followers View post →
James V. Kohl
@microRNApro · X

ICYMI: https://t.co/kcMIVbf9kA "Although colchicine poisoning is relatively uncommon, it is imperative to recognize its features as it is associated with a high mortality rate when missed."

Jan 28, 2021 · 1 like · 2,567 followers View post →
Andres G
@mdandres1 · X

RT @AnGeLaUyEn: @emezones NOTA: la toxicidad por colchicina puede presentarse en varias formas, desde diarreas hasta falla multiorgánica y…

Jan 27, 2021 · 3 shares · 284 followers View post →
Partido Feliz
@Partido_Feliz · X

RT @AnGeLaUyEn: @emezones NOTA: la toxicidad por colchicina puede presentarse en varias formas, desde diarreas hasta falla multiorgánica y…

Jan 27, 2021 · 3 shares · 105 followers View post →
Angela Uyen Cateriano MD, MsC,MBA, MA.IR
@AnGeLaUyEn · X

@emezones NOTA: la toxicidad por colchicina puede presentarse en varias formas, desde diarreas hasta falla multiorgánica y muerte. Quienes se han Mal acostumbrado a la auto y sobre medicación (ivermectina), sepan la colchicina puede ser peligrosa. https://t.co/9ZBK1KnY9R

Jan 27, 2021 · 8 likes · 3 shares · 11,385 followers View post →
Abraham E. Gracia R.
@Abraham_RMI · X

Moreover, many think that colchicine or ivermectin may be an option without sufficient evidence as they are considered “safe”. Although their incidence is low, these are examples of serious adverse effects: 1. https://t.co/uYBBcylXbp 2. https://t.co/j6h0OoAAJT

Jan 26, 2021 · 5 likes · 4,681 followers View post →
Fernando Salvetti Valente
@fsvalente_ · X

Enfim, espero que os dados sejam bons. Caso se torne parte do tratamento, tomemos cuidado ao prescrever! Para quem quiser ler um pouco mais sobre: https://t.co/6hqCWWSxsb

Jan 26, 2021 · 5 likes · 684 followers View post →
Ernesto de Bernardis, MD
@debe · X

@mazzettam Attenzione è terapia che va attentamente monitorata dal medico e non presa autonomamente perché è facile il sovradosaggio con conseguenze rovinose e letali. https://t.co/AcyX7YrJ5i

Jan 25, 2021 · 887 followers View post →
awanisrahman
@awanisrahman · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 24, 2021 · 20 shares · 295 followers View post →
Leonardo Rovatti
@leorovatti · X

Principalmente levando em conta o uso fora do ambiente hospitalar como sugere o estudo do MHI, e também por ser um medicamento q se usado de forma errada pode apresentar efeitos colaterais importantes https://t.co/dg3WqmFNN6

Jan 24, 2021 · 37 likes · 3,654 followers View post →
Skatiq
@Skatiq3 · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 24, 2021 · 20 shares · 273 followers View post →
Lindy Smith (is headed to blue skies)
@LindySmithMD · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 24, 2021 · 20 shares · 2,677 followers View post →
Dra. Asunción César
@AsuncionCesar · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 24, 2021 · 20 shares · 131 followers View post →
✨
@Cri_Valentina · X

@Guigodu @rmapalacios @Minsa_Peru “No clear cut distinction between non-toxic, toxic and lethal doses” : https://t.co/DzJKP5iQID

Jan 24, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,488 followers View post →
Lee
@dezsmom · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 24, 2021 · 20 shares · 559 followers View post →
Victor Paola
@vpaola · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 358 followers View post →
Lucia Ruggiero EALR
@luciaruggiero · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 1,030 followers View post →
Lynn
@RadicalSister15 · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 874 followers View post →
MJosling53
@MJosling53 · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 3,646 followers View post →
Equity and Health
@equityhealthdev · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 3,462 followers View post →
Steve Aks
@ERtox · X

Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window, and we must weigh benefit against toxicity. Awaiting peer-review publication see our paper "Colchicine Poisoning: The Dark Side of an Ancient Drug" for the well-know toxicity https://t.co/H77ILEY2la @Dr_YFinkelstein @matthewherper https://t.co/smjPpydVEx

Jan 23, 2021 · 5 likes · 1,803 followers View post →
Brian Bush
@BrianRBush · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 263 followers View post →
Culture of Health Eq
@CofHEQ · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 1,095 followers View post →
Fernando Bernal Ortiz
@fernando_bernal · X

RT @DrToddLee: Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 4 shares · 828 followers View post →
Global Health Observ
@GlobalPHObserv · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 6,547 followers View post →
Serdar Dinç
@DincSerdar · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 124 followers View post →
Infectious Diseases
@InfectiousDz · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 40,840 followers View post →
wm.kenkel@bsky.social
@wmkenkel · X

@pomeranian99 @TVietor08 Unfortunately, colchicine is kinda infamous for its toxicity. https://t.co/2GpRb5SIPX

Jan 23, 2021 · 2 likes · 815 followers View post →
Tara (((Tathagada)))
@Taraquatique · X

RT @DrToddLee: Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 4 shares · 688 followers View post →
Oezguer Yalcin
@OezguerYalcin · X

RT @DrToddLee: Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 4 shares · 261 followers View post →
BaseballDad
@KKHABS23 · X

RT @DrToddLee: Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 4 shares · 614 followers View post →
Todd C. Lee
@DrToddLee · X

Another resource on toxicity https://t.co/WnWTjrbMQ5

Jan 23, 2021 · 6 likes · 4 shares · 14,939 followers View post →
Andrew Stolbach, MD, MPH
@toxicologist12 · X

RT @ERtox: Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancie…

Jan 23, 2021 · 20 shares · 9,954 followers View post →
Steve Aks
@ERtox · X

Colchicine is a great drug in low doses, but there are big risks. See our paper "Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug" for the well-know toxicity https://t.co/H77ILEY2la @BogochIsaac @Dr_YFinkelstein https://t.co/zlMZO2Uw0d

Jan 23, 2021 · 58 likes · 20 shares · 1,803 followers View post →
Oscar Contreras
@ooscar_88 · X

RT @bioMioSoftware: https://t.co/ACKKGxJG4N "has a narrow therapeutic index, w/ no clear-cut distinction between nontoxic, toxic, & lethal…

Jan 1, 2021 · 2 shares · 1,461 followers View post →
Whymandesign
@whymandesign · X

Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug https://t.co/INzIpacADy

Jan 1, 2021 · 1,717 followers View post →
DrRPalmquist
@DrPalmquist · X

RT @bioMioSoftware: https://t.co/ACKKGxJG4N "has a narrow therapeutic index, w/ no clear-cut distinction between nontoxic, toxic, & lethal…

Jan 1, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,169 followers View post →
bioMioSoftware
@bioMioSoftware · X

https://t.co/ACKKGxJG4N "has a narrow therapeutic index, w/ no clear-cut distinction between nontoxic, toxic, & lethal doses, causing substantial confusion among clinicians." There was talk abt using colchicine 4 coronavirus, based on this it seems like a bad idea @HealthyFellow

Jan 1, 2021 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 102 followers View post →
K van M
@KvanM1 · X

@mortenoxe @schneiderleonid @jctardif_mhi Just google (colchicine toxic) ≈ 1.350.000 results Colchicine poisoning: the dark side of an ancient drug. - NCBI Colchicine: Beware of toxicity and interactions - Medsafe Colchicine: extremely toxic in overdose ...

May 13, 2020 · 154 followers View post →
desesparimusic
@desesparimusic · X

What is highly complicating situation, around the world. Colchicine Poisoning: The Dark Side of an Ancient Drug https://t.co/MC7GpHZnzg

Feb 9, 2020 · 162 followers View post →