Thiocolchicoside

Thicolchicoside is a me­dication used to relieve­ pain and stiffness in the muscles. Let's delve into a complete ove­rview of Thiocolchicoside.

What is Thiocolchicoside?

Thicolchicoside is a semisynthetic phytochemical which acts similarly to natural colchicoside. It is extracted from alkaloids that generate seeds in plants. Due to its action that inhibits muscle contraction, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain (pain killer), the drug was classified as a nervous system muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic drug. This active component works by hitting specific receptors in the body and, as a result, forming the inhibition of neurotransmitters; it leads to the reduction of muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain sensitivity.

Thiocolchicoside Uses

Thiocolchicoside is primarily prescribed to adults aged 16 years or above for the following conditions:

• Acute or Chronic Back pain: Thiocolchicoside can reduce back pain in active or constant-term cases.
• Postoperative Pain: Surgical operations can be quite stressful, with many traumatic days. This is where the benefit of Thiocolchicoside lies—it relieves pain and muscle spasms, which comes in handy during the post-injury/surgery recovery process.
• Muscle Spasms: This medication reduces muscle tension. Some neck problems, arcane damage, and injuries are minimised by this medication.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is one of the inflammatory arthropathies that usually involves the spine in proper medical management. This entails the use of Thiocolchicoside as one of the drugs.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regarding rheumatoid arthritis, Thiocolchicoside can help those people heal muscle spasms and joint pains caused by the disease.
• Vertebral Damage: These injuries in a part of the body that surrounds and protects nerves, like the spine, will enable both this drug and Thiocolchicoside to be useful, as they will help to maintain the ease of the nerves.
• Persistent Torticollis: When refractory torticollis (item meanings twisted neck to neck) persists, we apply Thiocolchicoside, which coordinates the muscle groups.

Thiocolchicoside Side Effects

Thiocolchicoside, like other medicines, may be associated with certain side effects. Some of the common side effects related to Thiocolchicoside include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Gas or flatulence
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

If you observe any of these serious effects, which include itches, rashes, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or a rapid heart rate, you should go straight to a medical room.

Thiocolchicoside Dosage

Your healthcare professional should decide on Thiocolchicoside’s dosage by considering your condition and the medication’s efficacy in your specific situation. However, the typical dosage range is as follows:

• For adults: 8 to 6 mg per day, taken in 2 to 3 doses.

How Thiocolchicoside Works

Thiocolchicoside hits the narrowed nervous system receptor that is in charge of impulse transmission and muscle relaxation and weakening. It imitates the chemical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is associated with muscle tone and blocks spasticity. By interacting with these receptors, Thiocolchicoside can:

• Relieve pain related to muscle spasms and muscle stiffness, including sciatica pain.
• Promote muscle relaxation

Precautions

Before you start taking Thiocolchicoside, you must inform the doctor about any health issues, allergies, or any other drugs/medications you are taking. Thiocolchicoside should be used with caution or avoided in certain situations, such as:

• Severe kidney disease
• History of seizures
• Allergies that are very common, such as asthma or bronchitis.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take Thiocolchicoside, you can take the exact dosage once you remember. However, if it turns out to be the time when you should have taken the next dose, just refrain from taking the missed dose and keep the regular schedule. Refrain from doubling the dose to retake it, as it can complicate the therapy process.

Overdose

In case of overdose or suspected overdose of Thiocolchicoside, seeking a doctor’s advice is essential, or calling the poison control centre. The symptoms of overdosing may include abnormal sleepiness, inability to identify the right direction temporarily or suffer from shortness of breath.

Thiocolchicoside Storage

Keep Thiocolchicoside at room temperature so it is not exposed to moisture and sunlight. Keep in mind that children and pets might accidentally get hold of the medicine. To prevent this, put the medication in as close as possible where they cannot reach. Avoid using Thiocolchicoside treatment when the expiration date is over or after the prescribed period.

Comparison: Thiocolchicoside vs Chlorzoxazone

Both Thiocolchicoside and chlorzoxazone are muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms. While they have similar therapeutic effects, there are some differences:

Conclusion

Thiocolchicoside is an effective medication that can relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. It targets specific receptors in the nervous system, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing inflammation. However, it is crucial to use Thiocolchicoside under the guidance of a healthcare professional and follow the prescribed dosage and precautions to minimise the risk of side effects. With proper use, Thiocolchicoside can be an effective treatment option for managing muscle-related issues and improving overall quality of life.

FAQ's

1. Is Thiocolchicoside safe? 

Thiocolchicoside is generally safe when taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects, and certain precautions should be followed. It is essential to discuss your medical history and any potential risks with your doctor before taking Thiocolchicoside.

2. Is Thiocolchicoside a painkiller? 

While Thiocolchicoside is not primarily a painkiller, it does possess analgesic (pain-relieving) properties due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is mainly used as a muscle relaxant to treat muscle spasms and stiffness.

3. Is Thiocolchicoside a steroid? 

No, Thiocolchicoside is not a steroid. It is a semisynthetic derivative of the naturally occurring compound colchicoside, obtained from the seeds of the plant Gloriosa superba, commonly called flame lily or glory lily.

4. Which is better: Chlorzoxazone or Thiocolchicoside? 

Both Thiocolchicoside and chlorzoxazone are effective muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms. While some studies have shown chlorzoxazone to be slightly more effective, the difference needs to be more significant to be clinically meaningful. Your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable option based on your specific condition and individual needs.

5. How long can you take Thiocolchicoside? 

The duration of Thiocolchicoside treatment depends on the severity of your condition and should be determined by your healthcare provider. Following the prescribed dosage and not exceeding the recommended duration is important without consulting your doctor.

6. Is Thiocolchicoside safe in pregnancy? 

Thiocolchicoside is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may have adverse effects on the developing foetus or nursing infant. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Thiocolchicoside.

7. Is Thiocolchicoside addictive? 

No, Thiocolchicoside is not considered an addictive medication. However, it is still essential to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions your healthcare professional provides to avoid any potential risks or adverse effects.