Osteoarthrosis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases occur not only in the elderly, but also in quite young and mature people. To restore cartilage and prevent their destruction, experts recommend taking the complex “Glucosamine-chondroitin”. Reviews of the drug will be presented below. You will also learn about how the medication in question should be used, what is included in its composition and whether it has contraindications.
Composition, form of the drug and its packaging
In what form is the medicine "Glucosamine-chondroitin" made (complex)? Capsules are the only form of the drug mentioned. Its active ingredients are glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sodium sulfate. Also, the composition of the medicine includes auxiliary compounds in the form of low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone medical, croscarmellose sodium, aerosil, sodium starch glycolate and magnesium stearate.
This medication is available in a bottle, which is placed in a cardboard box.
Product Feature
What is the complex "Glucosamine-chondroitin"? According to experts, this is a combined medication that is designed to restore cartilage.
The action of the drug in question is due to the components that are included in its composition. Consider their features in more detail.
Chondroitin sodium sulfate is a high molecular weight mucopolysaccharide. He takes part in the construction of cartilage tissue. Also, this substance reduces the effect of enzymes that destroy cartilage, and helps in their restoration, contributing to the normalization of the joints.
In the first days of taking this medication, the inflammatory process noticeably decreases, and the degeneration of cartilage tissue slows down.
With osteoarthritis of the joints, chondroitin sodium sulfate helps to reduce pain. As a result, the need for NSAIDs disappears.
As for glucosamine hydrochloride, it acts as a chondroprotective agent. This substance affects the biological synthesis of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans, and also eliminates glycosamine deficiency.
It should be noted that the synthesis of acid chondroitinsulfur glucosamine hydrochloride is able to activate sulfur fixation. In addition, this element selectively affects articular cartilage, inhibiting the formation of enzymes and radicals (superoxide) that damage tissues, as well as preventing impaired glycosaminoglycan synthesis and inhibiting the destructive effect of glucocorticoids on chondrocytes.
Kinetics of medication
A single dose of capsules in a standard dose contributes to the maximum concentration of chondroitin sodium sulfate in the blood after 3-4 hours.
This substance is excreted through the kidneys in about a day. Its bioavailability is 13%.
As for an ingredient such as glucosamine hydrochloride, it is absorbed in the intestines. About 25% of this component enters the cartilage and membrane of the joints (synovial). Part of this drug is biotransformed in the liver, forming urea, water and carbon dioxide.
Indications
In what cases is the patient recommended to take the drug "Glucosamine-chondroitin"? The complex, the composition of which was presented above, is actively used to treat diseases of the joints and spine, including osteoarthritis, intervertebral osteochondrosis, arthropathy and spondylosis.
Also, this medication can be used to restore the patient after fractures.
Contraindications
What contraindications does the complex “Glucosamine-chondroitin” have? It can not be used with:
- tendency to bleeding;
- personal intolerance to basic and additional substances;
- diabetes mellitus;
- breastfeeding;
- pregnancy
- severe impaired liver or kidney function;
- phenylketonuria;
- thrombophlebitis.
It should also be noted that this tool is not prescribed for children.
The drug "Glucosamine-chondroitin" (complex): instructions
The medication in question is intended for oral administration. Capsules must not be chewed or broken. They are swallowed whole and washed down with water.
For a better therapeutic result, the medication should be taken half an hour before a meal.
The duration of therapy and the exact dosage of the medicine is determined only by a specialist (depends on the nature and severity of the disease).
For adults, the drug must be taken every day in 2 capsules twice a day. Three weeks after the start of therapy, the dosage is reduced to 1 capsule per day.
As a rule, treatment with this remedy lasts about two months. But to obtain a sustainable effect, experts recommend taking the drug for about six months.
During such therapy it is forbidden to drink alcohol. In addition, you need to reduce sugar intake.
Side effects
The glucosamine-chondroitin complex can cause the following adverse reactions:
- epigastric pain, urticaria, vomiting, skin itching, diarrhea;
- nausea, dermatitis, flatulence, insomnia, erythema, constipation, edema;
- dizziness, increased fatigue, drowsiness, general weakness, skin rash, headache.
If such symptoms occur, you should stop taking the capsules and consult a doctor immediately.
Drug interaction
The Glucosamine-Chondroitin complex in combination with tetracyclines can lead to an increase in the absorption of the latter. When the drug interacts with lemomycetin and semisynthetic penicillins, on the contrary, their degree of absorption decreases.
This medication reduces the need for NSAIDs, GCS and painkillers.
Treatment with this drug becomes more effective when products with vitamins C and A, as well as salts of copper, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium are included in the patient’s diet.
Reviews
Now you know why they use the drug "Glucosamine-chondroitin" (complex). Instructions for this medication have also been presented above.
Most patients suffering from joint diseases talk about the effectiveness of this medication and a convenient form of release.
It should also be noted that the disadvantages of this medicine include its high cost and side effects that occur from the digestive system.