Fatal i.v. colchicine injection in a 60-year-old woman

Colchicine is a rather benign drug when used appropriately and with an understanding of its potential side effects and toxicity. However, colchicine toxicity, though uncommon, is life-threatening. It is especially devastating to geriatric or debilitated patients because of its cumulative effects. There are no toxicology tests that can detect specific blood levels of colchicine and there is no specific antidote for colchicine toxicity. Oral colchicine is administered until GI symptoms such as diarrhea occur. But when colchicine is administered intravenously, as in this patient, GI symptoms may not occur until it is too late and irreversible multiorgan system failure occurs. Careful consideration of dosage and route of administration of this drug can be crucial.