About Thiocolchicoside 4 mg Capsule
Thiocolchicoside 4 mg Capsule contains Thiocolchicoside 4 mg. Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant. It is used for a short time, along with other treatment, to ease painful muscle spasms, such as those in the back or neck. It is meant only for adults and teenagers over 16, and for a limited number of days, because of safety concerns with longer use or higher doses.
Uses of Thiocolchicoside 4 mg Capsule
- Short-term add-on treatment of painful muscle spasms, such as in back or neck pain
Benefits
In painful muscle spasms
It helps relax tight, cramped muscles, which can reduce pain and stiffness and make movement easier during recovery.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Get medical help if you notice
- Fits (seizures) — seek emergency care
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine — possible liver problems; contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing — stop and seek emergency care
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea — contact your doctor
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually with food. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not use it for longer than your doctor advises.
How it works
Thiocolchicoside acts on GABA and glycine receptors in the nervous system, which reduces the muscle tension that causes spasms.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to drowsiness. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used in pregnancy, as it may harm the baby. Women who could become pregnant must use reliable contraception while taking it.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
It must not be used while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Liver problems have been reported. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Use it only for the short time your doctor advises — usually no more than about a week by mouth.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or have ever had fits.
- Check that your other medicines, including combination pain tablets, do not also contain thiocolchicoside.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Semi-synthetic colchicoside derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Musculoskeletal
- Action class
- Centrally acting muscle relaxant (GABA-A / glycine receptor action)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other medicines containing thiocolchicoside, including combination tablets | Risk of taking too much |
| Sedatives, sleeping pills and other muscle relaxants | May add to drowsiness |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Thiocolchicoside prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); EMA review of thiocolchicoside-containing medicines, 2013). Pharmacist review pending.