A client diagnosed with gouty arthritis is prescribed the drug colchicine to decrease the symptoms he is experiencing. When educating the client regarding this medication, the nurse includes that:
1. Vomiting and/or diarrhea can result with frequent use.
2. A reduction of pain by 60% to 75% is typically experienced.
3. A less restrictive high-purine diet may be adopted.
4. There is a possibility of orthostatic hypotension.
Vomiting and/or diarrhea can result with frequent use.
Rationale: Research has shown that for patients who had taken colchicine, there was a reduction of pain by 34%. However, all patients on colchicine (100%) developed gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea due to the frequency necessary to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms causing the gout attack. Encouraging patients to maintain a low-purine diet and avoid excessive use of alcohol in order to prevent an acute attack may be a better alternative for the patient. Orthostatic hypotension is not a typical side effect of colchicines.
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