Zycolchin (Colchicine 0.5mg)

Zycolchin general information

What is Zycolchin used for?

Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg are used to treat symptoms of acute attacks or flares of gout, a condition caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) forming uric acid crystals, which are deposited in the joints.  Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg help to relieve pain, although they are not analgesics, and also reduce the incidence of recurrent acute gout attacks.  However, Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg do not prevent the progression of acute gout to chronic gouty arthritis, which is when which uric acid crystals that have been deposited in joints cause pain and swelling, with loss of joint mobility.  The first line of treatment for gout is generally with an anti-inflammatory medication, either a steroid or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).  If these treatments are ineffective or cannot be used, then Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg provide an effective treatment for gout, to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. 

How does Zycolchin work?

Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg contain colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative originally obtained from the plant Colchicum or Autumn Crocus.  Colchicine in Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg act on inflammatory leucocytes and inhibit the migration of these cells into an inflammatory site, such as inflammation caused by uric acid crystals.  Colchicine in Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg also inhibits the ingestion (phagocytosis) of uric acid crystals by inflammatory cells, which is the way that foreign objects are normally disposed of.  This action of colchicine in Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg reduces the amount of inflammatory chemicals released by these cells and helps break the inflammation cycle.   

What does Zycolchin contain?

Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg contain the active ingredient colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative used to treat acute attacks of gout. 

Treating gout with Zycolchin

Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg contain colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative that is used to treat attacks of acute gout and to reduce the incidence of recurrent acute gout attacks.  Gout is a condition caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) forming uric acid crystals to be deposited in the joints causing inflammation, pain and swelling.  Colchicine in Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg inhibit the migration of inflammatory leucocytes into an inflammatory site, such as inflammation caused by uric acid crystals and also inhibits ingestion (phagocytosis) of uric acid crystals by these cells, which reduces the amount of inflammatory chemicals released by these cells and helps break the inflammation cycle.  Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg help reduce the pain and discomfort of gout but do not act as a long-term analgesic nor do they prevent the progression of acute gout to chronic gouty arthritis, which is when which uric acid crystals that have been deposited in joints cause chronic pain and swelling, with loss of joint mobility.

What are the side effects of Zycolchin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Zycolchin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.  Prolonged treatment can cause hair loss, loss of appetite and muscle weakness (myopathy).

When should Zycolchin not be used?

You should not use Zycolchin if you:

• are allergic to colchicine or any ingredients in Zycolchin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a heart condition or blood dyscrasias (disorders) or gastrointestinal disorders
• are taking medicines that interact with Zycolchin, including : the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate, sedatives like benzodiazepines, alcohol, NSAIDs like phenylbutazone, anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin, Vitamin B12,

What medications interact with Zycolchin?

Several medications interact with Zycolchin and should either not be taken while you are taking Zycolchin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Zycolchin: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, NSAIDs like phenylbutazone, anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin
• Drugs that affect Zycolchin: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate
• Drugs that are affected by Zycolchin: sedatives like benzodiazepines, Vitamin B12

How should Zycolchin be taken?

You should take your Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg until pain is relieved and for no more than four days to relieve pain of gout attack.  You should not take any further tablets within three days and then begin another course of Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg, if recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Zycolchin?

You should take your Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg until pain is relieved and for no more than four days to relieve pain of gout attack.  You should not take any further tablets within three days and then begin another course of Zycolchin tablets 0.5mg, if recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Zycolchin

If you miss a dose of Zycolchin take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Zycolchin be stored?

You should store your Zycolchin below 25°C in a cool dry place.