Description
Generic
Glucosamine Sulfate + Chondroitin
Indications
It is suitable for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the knee joint, hip joint, spine, hand and other parts as a supplementary food. It is also beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, migraines, various skin problems (such as psoriasis), vascular complications (such as atherosclerosis), kidney stones and inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis, Leaky gut syndrome.).
Pharmacolgy
Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar, produced by the human body and found in certain foods. It is the most basic building block required for the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) such as hyaluronic acid, keratan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. GAG combines with protein to form proteoglycan, which is the basic component of articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint ruptures. It also helps to form ligaments, tendons, nails and various other connective tissues. When we take a synthetic glucosamine sulfate supplement, it will increase the level of glucosamine in the body and promote the production and repair of cartilage. Glucosamine can also activate chondrocytes in cartilage and help produce GAG and proteoglycans.
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan (acid mucopolysaccharide) that exists in connective tissues of all mammals, especially articular cartilage. The effect of chondroitin sulfate supplements is similar to that of glucosamine sulfate because it also provides a substrate for proteoglycans. Chondroitin also protects existing healthy cartilage from premature degradation by preventing the MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) enzyme that breaks down proteoglycans. The combination of
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate showed a synergistic effect. The data support that this combination has been shown to be very effective in severe cases of osteoarthritis, treating the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and modifying the progression of the disease. In normal adults, it can prevent osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis pain, it is as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and has better tolerability and clinical compliance. It is also useful in the repair phase of musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, such as tendon or ligament strains.
Dosage & Administration
250/200 mg tablet: 1 to 2 tablets, three times daily. Dose may be adjusted according to the response of the drug and body weight. Doses can be tapered after 60 days as per requirement of the individual and for cost convenience. Typical dosage recommendation, based on body weight is as follows-
- Under 54 Kg: 1000 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 800 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day
- 54 Kg to 91 Kg: 1500 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 1200 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day
- Over 91 Kg: 2000 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 1600 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day.
750/600 mg tablet: 1 tablet two times daily or as directed by the physician.
Interaction
There are no reports of significant drug interactions between glucosamine and chondroitin and antibiotics/antidepressants/antihypertensives/nitrates/antiarrhythmics/anti-anxiety drugs/hypoglycemic drugs/antisecretory drugs/anti-asthma drugs . Chondroitin can enhance the blood thinning effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin.
Contraindications
There are no known contraindications for glucosamine and chondroitin. However, an allergy to glucosamine and chondroitin (such as an allergy to shellfish or sulfur) has been shown to be a contraindication.
Side Effects
Safety studies of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate showed no obvious side effects. The infrequent side effects (such as mild and reversible flatulence) are almost like a placebo.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not supplement with glucosamine sulfate or chondroitin sulfate. Research on glucosamine and chondroitin is insufficient to determine their effects on the developing fetus. There are no studies evaluating the use of glucosamine and chondroitin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy and lactation, it should be taken with caution and medical advice should be obtained.
Precautions & Warnings
It is recommended that diabetics regularly monitor their blood sugar levels while taking glucosamine. No special studies have been conducted on patients with renal or hepatic impairment. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of glucosamine and chondroitin do not indicate limitations for these patients. However, patients with severe liver or kidney damage should be administered under appropriate medical supervision. Children should not receive glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
Therapeutic Class
Stimulation of Cartilage formation
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.
Phamaceutical Name
Drug International Ltd.