COLCHICINE AND MACROLIDES
Several case reports describe acute life-threatening colchicine toxicity caused by the concurrent use of erythromycin or clarithromycin. A retrospective study and individual case reports have identified fatalities associated with the combination of clarithromycin and colchicine.
Information on this interaction is limited, but it appears that erythromycin and clarithromycin can provoke acute colchicine toxicity, at the very least in pre- disposed individuals. Other macrolides may also interact, although it seems unlikely that they all will, see macrolides. If any patient is given colchicine and a potentially interacting macrolide be aware of the potential for toxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Information on this interaction is limited, but it appears that erythromycin and clarithromycin can provoke acute colchicine toxicity, at the very least in pre- disposed individuals. Other macrolides may also interact, although it seems unlikely that they all will, see macrolides. If any patient is given colchicine and a potentially interacting macrolide be aware of the potential for toxicity, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.