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Condylon: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Condylon - General Information

A major alkaloid from Colchicum autumnale L. and found also in other Colchicum species. Its primary therapeutic use is in the treatment of gout, but it has been used also in the therapy of familial Mediterranean fever (periodic disease).

 

Pharmacology of Condylon

Condylon is a highly poisonous alkaloid, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (Autumn crocus, also known as the "Meadow saffron"). Originally used to treat rheumatic complaints and especially gout, it was also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects. Its present medicinal use is mainly in the treatment of gout; as well, it is being investigated for its potential use as an anti-cancer drug. It can also be used as initial treatment for pericarditis and preventing recurrences of the condition.

 

Condylon for patients

 

Condylon Interactions

Colchicine is inhibited by acidifying agents. The action of colchicine is potentiated by alkalinizing agents.

Colchicine may increase sensitivity to the CNS depressants.

Response to sympathomimetic agents' may be enhanced by colchicine.

 

Condylon Contraindications

Colchicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug, in those with serious gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, or cardiac disorders, and in those with blood dyscrasias.

 

Additional information about Condylon

Condylon Indication

For treatment and relief of pain in attacks of acute gouty arthritis.

Mechanism Of Action
The precise mechanism of action has not been completely established. In patients with gout, colchicine apparently interrupts the cycle of monosodium urate crystal deposition in joint tissues and the resultant inflammatory response that initiates and sustains an acute attack. Condylon decreases leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis and inhibits the formation and release of a chemotactic glycoprotein that is produced during phagocytosis of urate crystals. Condylon also inhibits urate crystal deposition, which is enhanced by a low pH in the tissues, probably by inhibiting oxidation of glucose and subsequent lactic acid production in leukocytes. Condylon has no analgesic or antihyperuricemic activity. Condylon inhibits microtubule assembly in various cells, including leukocytes, probably by binding to and interfering with polymerization of the microtubule subunit tubulin. Although some studies have found that this action probably does not contribute significantly to colchicine's antigout action, a recent in vitro study has shown that it may be at least partially involved.
Drug Interactions
Atorvastatin Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination
Food Interactions
Take without regard to meals.
Generic Name
Colchicine
Synonyms
Colchicin; Colchicina; Colchicinum
Drug Category
Gout Suppressants; Tubulin Modulators
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Colchicine
Colbenemid; Col-probenecid; Condylon; Proben-C;
Absorption
Colchicine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, probably from the jejunum and ileum. However, the rate and extent of absorption are variable, depending on the tablet dissolution rate; variability in gastric emptying, intestinal motility, and pH at the absorption site; and the extent to which colchicine is bound to microtubules in gastrointestinal mucosal cells.
Toxicity (Overdose)
The onset of toxic effects is usually delayed for several hours or more after the ingestion of an acute overdose. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea occur first. The diarrhea may be bloody due to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Burning sensations of the throat, stomach, and skin may be prominent symptoms. Extensive vascular damage may result in shock. Kidney damage, evidenced by hematuria and oliguria, may occur. Muscular weakness may be marked, and ascending paralysis of the central nervous system may develop; the patient usually remains conscious. Delirium and convulsions may occur. Death due to respiratory arrest may result. Although death from the ingestion of as little as 7 mg has been reported, much larger doses have been survived .
Protein Binding
Low to moderate (30 to 50%).
Biotransformation
Probably hepatic. Although colchicine metabolites have not been identified in humans, metabolism by mammalian hepatic microsomes has been demonstrated in vitro.
Half Life
Elimination half-life is approximately 1 hour in healthy subjects, although a study with an extended sampling time reported mean terminal elimination half-life values of approximately 9 to 10.5 hours. Other studies have reported half-life values of approximately 2 hours in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and approximately 2.5 hours in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.
Dosage Forms of Condylon
Solution / drops Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
N-[(7S)-1,2,3,10-tetramethoxy-9-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[d]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide
Chemical Formula
C22H25NO6
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals