What is a common side effect of colchicine that needs to be monitored?

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Colchicine is commonly used in the treatment of gout and familial Mediterranean fever, but it is also known for its gastrointestinal side effects. One of the most frequent adverse effects that patients experience while taking colchicine is diarrhea. This side effect can occur due to colchicine's mechanism of action, which affects the microtubule formation in intestinal cells, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility.

Monitoring for diarrhea is essential because it can not only cause discomfort but also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if left unchecked. Patients taking colchicine should be advised to report any occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea, so that the dosage can be adjusted or alternative therapies can be considered if the side effect becomes severe.

In contrast, while headache, drowsiness, and rash can occur, they are not as prominent or common as gastrointestinal symptoms associated with colchicine. Thus, the correct answer highlights the most significant and frequently encountered side effect that requires close monitoring during colchicine therapy.

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