Acts upon the cerebro-spinal and ganglionic nervous systems, irritating the nerve centers and producing convulsions, cramps, neuralgia, paralytic conditions, and debility. As a result of this primary action on the nervous system, Colchicum finds its most important action exerted on the periosteum and synovial membranes (especially of the small joints), on the urinary and digestive tracts, and to some extent upon the respiratory organs. The secretions of all mucous surfaces are altered and increased, and the general condition throughout strikingly resembles an arthritic inflammation. The chief peculiarity of the drug is its tearing pains with intolerable exacerbations at night. Characteristic symptoms.