Odorless or nearly odorless pale yellow needles or powder that darkens on exposure to light. Used to treat gouty arthritis, pseudogout, sarcoidal arthritis and calcific tendinitis. (EPA, 1998)

none

Slowly hydrolyzed in acidic solution, but unbuffered solutions are stable at 68°F for at least six months. Isomerizes on exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Stable. (EPA, 1998)

It is classified as super toxic. Probable oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg, i.e. less than 7 drops for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Death results from respiratory arrest. The fatal dose varies considerably; as little as 7 mg of colchicine has proved fatal. (EPA, 1998)

COLCHICINE darkens on exposure to light. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with mineral acids (NTP, 1992).

• Amides and Imides
• Ethers
• Ketones

No information available.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

For drugs, solid, n.o.s., avoid breathing dusts and fumes from burning material. Keep upwind. Wear boots, protective gloves, and goggles.

Slight fire potential. Material is a drug, with the following procedures for fires. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use alcohol foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. (EPA, 1998)

Precautions for drugs, solid, n.o.s., include the following. Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning materials. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Wear full protective clothing. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. (EPA, 1998)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

No information available.

Warning: Effects may be delayed. Severe exposure may lead to death within 7-36 hours from respiratory failure or other complications. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Colchicine Exposure: Acute exposure to colchicine may produce the following signs and symptoms: burning sensation in mouth and throat, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, mental confusion, and coma. Bloody urine and diminished urine output may be noted. Respiratory failure may occur due to paralysis.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to colchicine may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to colchicine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to colchicine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of colchicine is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age. Warning: Ingestion of colchicine may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
4. The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ACETAMIDE, N-(5,6,7,9-TETRAHYDRO-1,2,3,10- TETRAMETHOXY-9-OXOBENZO[A]HEPTALEN-7-YL)
• ACETAMIDE, N-(5,6,7,9-TETRAHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXY-9-OXOBENZO[A]HEPTALEN-7-YL)-, (S)-
• 7-ACETAMIDO-6,7-DIHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXYBENZO(A)HEPTALEN-9(5H)-ONE
• 7-ALPHA-H-COLCHICINE
• BENZO[A]HEPTALEN-9(5H)-ONE, 7-ACETAMIDO-6,7-DIHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXY-
• BENZO[A]HEPTALENE, ACETAMIDE DERIV.
• COLCHICEINE METHYL ETHER
• COLCHICENOS
• COLCHICINE
• (-)-COLCHICINE
• COLCHINEOS
• COLCHISOL
• COLCIN
• COLSALOID
• CONDYLON
• N-(5,6,7,9-TETRAHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXY-9-OXOBENZO(A)HEPTALEN-7-YL)-ACETAMIDE
• N-(5,6,7,9-TETRAHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXY-9-OXOBENZO(ALPHA)HEPTALEN-7-YL)-ACETAMIDE
• N-ACETYL TRIMETHYLCOLCHICINIC ACID, METHYL ETHER
• N-ACETYLTRIMETHYLCOLCHICINIC ACID METHYL ETHER
• N-[(7S)-5,6,7,9-TETRAHYDRO-1,2,3,10-TETRAMETHOXY-9-OXOBENZ(A)HEPTALEN-7-YL)-ACETAMIDE
• NSC 757