Colchicine 0.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Treating an acute gout attack – sudden severe pain, swelling and redness of a joint, often the big toe; Preventing gout flares when you start uric-acid-lowering medicines like febuxostat or allopurinol.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.94 to ₹3.49 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colchicine Tablets 0.5mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹9.38 | ₹0.94 | 19 October 2026 |
| Coljoy 0.5 | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹20.96 | ₹2.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Geton | Ajanta Pharma Limited | 15 | ₹47.17 | ₹3.14 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zycolchin | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹34.82 | ₹3.48 | 19 October 2026 |
| Goutnil 0.5 | Inga Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹34.86 | ₹3.49 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Treating an acute gout attack – sudden severe pain, swelling and redness of a joint, often the big toe.
- Preventing gout flares when you start uric-acid-lowering medicines like febuxostat or allopurinol.
- Familial Mediterranean fever, a rare inherited condition.
- Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), in some cases under a specialist.
How to take it
Take the tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes and never closer together than advised, because colchicine builds up and becomes dangerous at higher doses. For a gout attack doctors usually give a small dose at the start of the attack followed by low doses, and stop once the pain settles; for prevention it is usually one tablet once or twice a day. Swallow with water, with or without food, and avoid grapefruit juice. Do not take extra tablets if the pain does not improve – stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea are signs of too much colchicine, so stop and tell your doctor. See a doctor if a gout attack has not improved in 2 to 3 days or you get frequent attacks, because you may need long-term uric-acid treatment.
Side effects
Common
- Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting – the most frequent effects and the first sign the dose is too high.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Loss of appetite.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea and vomiting – a sign of toxicity; stop and seek help.
- Muscle pain or weakness, or dark red or brown urine – possible muscle and kidney damage.
- High temperature, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding – bone marrow suppression.
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet (nerve damage).
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol raises uric acid and triggers gout attacks, so it works against the treatment; keep it to a minimum.
Pregnancy
Can be used in pregnancy if clearly needed – your doctor will weigh the risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease or dialysis; colchicine may not be suitable or the dose must be cut, as it builds up and causes toxicity.
Liver problems
May not be suitable in liver disease; your doctor will use a lower dose or an alternative.
Children
Used in children only for rare conditions like familial Mediterranean fever, under a specialist.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Never take two doses to catch up.
Interactions
- Clarithromycin and erythromycin (antibiotics) – can cause dangerous colchicine toxicity; tell your doctor before taking them.
- Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) and fibrates – higher risk of muscle damage.
- Verapamil, diltiazem and digoxin (heart medicines) – raise colchicine levels.
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and ciclosporin – raise colchicine levels.
- Cimetidine – can raise colchicine levels; use another acid medicine.
- Grapefruit juice – avoid.
Frequently asked questions
What is Zycolchin used for?
Zycolchin contains colchicine 0.5 mg. It is used to treat and prevent gout attacks, and for rare conditions like familial Mediterranean fever. It eases inflammation but does not lower uric acid.
How quickly does Goutnil work in a gout attack?
It works best when started within the first 12 to 24 hours of an attack; pain usually eases within a day or two. If there is no improvement in 2 to 3 days, see your doctor instead of taking more tablets.
Can I take colchicine with febuxostat or Zyloric?
Yes. Doctors often prescribe a low dose of colchicine for the first weeks or months after starting febuxostat or allopurinol, because uric-acid-lowering treatment can trigger attacks at first.
Why does colchicine cause loose motions?
Diarrhoea, nausea and stomach pain are the most common effects and are the first warning that the dose is too high. Stop the tablets and tell your doctor if they occur.
Can I take Zycolchin with alcohol?
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, raises uric acid and brings on gout attacks. It will undo the benefit, so avoid it during and after an attack.
Can I take colchicine with azithromycin or clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin and erythromycin can cause serious colchicine toxicity and the combination should be avoided; azithromycin is less of a problem but always tell the doctor you are on colchicine before taking any antibiotic.
Is colchicine a painkiller like diclofenac?
No. It specifically calms the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals. It does not help ordinary joint pain or back pain, and it should not be taken 'as needed' like a painkiller.
Is Zycolchin safe in kidney disease?
Colchicine builds up when the kidneys are weak and can cause muscle and nerve damage. Tell your doctor about any kidney problem; the dose may need reducing or a different medicine used.
Is colchicine available without prescription in India?
No. It is a Schedule H medicine with a narrow safety margin, so it must be taken only as prescribed.
Sources
- NHS – Colchicine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms