Colchicine is a highly poisonous water-soluble alkaloid found in plants of the genus Colchicum (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) with the chemical formula C22H25NO6. The chemical name or common name for colchicine is (S) N-(5,6,7,9-tetrahydro- 1,2,3, IO-tetramethoxy-9-oxobenzo [alpha] heptaien-7-yl) acetamide. The molecular weight of it is 399.2 grams.Colchicine has 4 isomers,each pair has either R or S configuration.(-)-(aS,7S)-Colchicine is the natural isomer which can interconvert between aR and aS* C22H25NO6* molecular weight is 399.4426* melting point is 142 degrees Celsius* water solubility is less than 10/g mL at 21 degr ...view middle of the document...
I. Phase- occurs within hours of ingestion* Stage II is the multi-phase stage- cardiovascular insufficiency- respiratory insufficiency- metabolic effects- neuromuscular effects- hematologic effects* Stage III is the recovery phase:- occurs 7 to 10 days after ingestion- marked by alopecia- rebound leukocytosisMechanism of toxicity:* Metabolized in the liver- facilitated by cytochrome P450- undergoes deacetylation and hydrolysis- converted to oxydicolchicineRecirculated in Liver:* Significant amount absorbed in the digestive tract* peak plasma concentration reached within 30 minutes to 2 hours* large V.O.D. ( 3x-4x total body water volume) prevents removal by dialysis* Average elimination half-life is 20 hours* Colchicine arrests cells in metaphase:- binds to tubulin- prevents polymerization into microtubules- alters nuclear structure- inhibits intracellular transport- allows it to be used for cytogenetic diagnosticsTreatment for poisoning:* Largely supportive* aggressive rearly GI decontamination* use of activated charcoal within 24 hours* Administraion of fluids* assisted respiration as needed* transfusions with red blood cells, vitamin K, and fresh plasma* anti-seizure medication as needed.