Colchicine.

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 …

…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 diagnostics Treatment 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.