In the article, we consider the instructions for use and reviews for the Chondroxide medication.
Joint diseases can be experienced by both elderly and young people. Such pathological conditions cause significant discomfort. For treatment in this case, the drug "Chondroxide" is often used. This drug has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and stimulates the process of restoration of cartilage.
The drug is able to stop the development of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis, while the regeneration of inflamed cartilage tissue is activated, the metabolic processes of a number of cartilage structures are normalized.
Instructions for use with Chondroxide are very detailed.
Composition and form of release
The medication is included in the clinical and pharmacological group of drugs that improve the restoration of cartilage tissue, as well as having anti-inflammatory effects. The following release forms are available:
- Chondroxide ointment (concentration of 5%, applied externally). It is produced in tubes of aluminum in a volume of 30 or 50 grams. In addition, the ointment includes such a special substance as dimethyl sulfoxide, which improves the penetration of chondroitin through the skin.
- Chondroxide gel (also applied externally). This medication contains chondroitin sulfate (5%) and dimethyl sulfoxide. It is produced in tubes, the volume is from 20 to 40 grams.
- Chondroxide tablets. One piece contains 250 milligrams of the active ingredient (chondroitin sulfate). One pack contains tablets in an amount of 30 to 100.
- Chondroxide in injections. Instructions for use confirm that the ampoules are released in a cardboard box. Liquid with a slightly yellowish tint.
There are no other forms of release for the drug.
In what cases is the drug indicated?
According to the instructions for use with Chondroxide, the main indications for using this chondroprotector are:
- spondylarthrosis, including uncovertebral cervical arthrosis;
- arthrosis, as well as osteoarthritis of the deforming nature of large (hip, knee) and small joints;
- various types of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine, including osteochondrosis.
Pharmacological signs
As indicated by the instructions for use with Chondroxide, the main active ingredient in the complex is chondroitin sulfate, which is released from the tissue of the cartilage of the trachea in cattle. This substance affects the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in cartilage, reduces bone resorption, inhibits the degenerative process of cartilage, prevents an increase in the density of connective tissue and is important lubricant of the surfaces of the joints. It normalizes the production of fluid in the joints, improves joint mobility, is required to reproduce the main component of cartilage and bone tissue.
Chondroitin sulfate helps protect cartilage from damage and resynthesize its matrix. During use, the development of osteoporosis slows down, hyaline metabolism is normalized, restoration of joint cartilage is stimulated, the severity of the inflammation process and discomfort in the affected areas are reduced, and the patient’s overall quality of life improves.
Pharmacokinetics
What does the instruction for use with Chondroxid tablets tell us? Is this drug absorbed? What does the instruction say about this?
When administered, “Chondroxide” reaches the highest concentration in the blood for four hours, is found in the joint cavities after five hours. The bioavailability of this drug is thirteen percent. The maximum concentration in the cartilage is observed within two days. It is excreted from the body with urine in about a day.
Due to the fact that the gel contains dimethyl sulfoxide, effective penetration into the tissues of the active substance is ensured. When applied to the epidermal integument, the concentration of this drug is noted after half an hour. In the joint, the drug remains for about five hours.
Features of the use of the drug
Instructions for use with Chondroxide states that the preparation in the form of an ointment and gel is intended solely for external use. It is applied to the skin in the affected area two to three times a day. The product must be rubbed into the skin until it is completely absorbed (about two to three minutes). The treatment course lasts from two to three weeks (if ointment is used) and from several weeks to three months with the use of the gel. The therapeutic course can be repeated again if necessary.
Chondroxide tablets should be taken orally, two tablets (500 milligrams) twice a day, washed down with water. A starting course of six months is recommended. The therapeutic effect of the drug lasts from three to five months after the cessation of its use, which depends on the stage of the disease and its localization. If necessary, you can conduct repeated treatment courses, the duration of which is set individually.
The course of treatment with injections is from 2 months. The drug is administered intramuscularly every other day. The dosage is determined only by the doctor, it depends on the degree of destruction of the cartilage tissue.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use for injections. Reviews about Chondroxide are abundant.
Which dosage form is better?
Patients often ask, what is the difference between gel and ointment? Which of these forms is better? The preparation in the form of a gel eliminates pain well enough and does not need to be rubbed. It leaves no residue on skin and clothing.
According to the instructions for use, Chondroxide gel has a fat base that is ideal for self-massage.
Contraindications
The drug "Chondroxide" can not be used with the following pathologies and conditions of the human body:
- with allergies to the drug and its components;
- during pregnancy;
- with breastfeeding;
- with a patient's tendency to bleed;
- with thrombophlebitis.
Side effects
"Chondroxide" in the form of an ointment or gel, judging by the reviews, does not cause any side effects if the drugs are used in dosages that are recommended according to the instructions. However, in some cases, people have allergic skin rashes. In such a situation, the use of the drug is discontinued.
According to the instructions for use and reviews of Chondroxide tablets, their administration can cause side effects, for example, diarrhea, nausea, in a very high dosage (more than three grams per day) - a rash of hemorrhagic nature. To reduce or completely remove such conditions, symptomatic treatment is performed.
This is also noted in the instructions for use.
Analogs of Chondroxide
The main analogues of the drug are:
- Chondroxide Maximum. Its active active ingredient is a substance such as glucosamine, which has a chondroprotective effect, regenerates the cartilage surface in the spine and joints, activates the production of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid in the patient's body. In addition, this tool significantly reduces pain and removes inflammation. The use of glucosamine sulfate reduces the amount of NSAIDs taken. In addition, this drug slows down the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue.
- Chondroxide Forte. The instructions say that the active components of the drug are meloxicam and chondroitin. This medication reduces the development of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis, reduces joint inflammation and swelling, perfectly anesthetizes, increases joint mobility. The constituent elements of this agent are distinguished by mutual analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentiating effects.
According to the active substance, the following structural analogues are distinguished:
- "Artradol";
- “Kartilag Vitrum”;
- Chondroitin;
- "Arthra Chondroitin";
- Structum;
- Chondroitin Sulfate;
- Mucosat;
- "Arthrin";
- Chondrogard;
- "Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate";
- Khonsurid;
- Chondrolone.
- Before using analogues, it is necessary to coordinate their choice with a specialist.
This is stated in the instructions for use.
Chondroxide ointment also has analogues.
- "Artradol" is an ointment of 5% of domestic production. As part of the drug, chondroitin. Ointment is used in the treatment of arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis and other diseases.
- “Artrafik” is an identical composition to “Chondroxidum”. It is used in the treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, in which articular cartilage is destroyed.
- "Chondroitin" - this ointment has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effect based on chondroitin sulfate. The drug is used for degenerative diseases of the joints and spine.
Application specifics
Before you start using the gel or Chondroxide ointment, you need to carefully read the instructions for the drug, as well as focus on some features of its use.
The drug can not be applied to open wounds and mucous membranes. It is necessary to avoid getting into the organs of vision. If this still happened, then the eyes should be rinsed with plenty of running water. If the medicine has got on clothes or on the skin, then it can be easily washed off with water, it leaves no residue after itself. It is undesirable to use the drug to treat children, since safety and effectiveness have not been established. The interaction of the ointment or gel "Chondroxide" with other drugs is not described. This tool does not directly affect the functional activity of nerve structures. In pharmacies, “Chondrocoside” is sold without presenting a doctor’s prescription. Before use, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Advantages of the drug
“Chondraxid” is not only an effective pain medication, but also a tool that helps restore damaged cartilage tissue, inhibits the functioning of enzymes that decompose tissue at the cellular level.
Eliminates both gradually manifested symptoms, and the cause of the pathology itself.
Thanks to the gentle action, “Chondroxide” does not cause metabolic imbalance, has a good effect on metabolic processes, and does not produce a systemic effect on the whole organism.
Reviews
A large number of patient reviews about this drug makes it possible to judge that its oral form is effective only with prolonged use (for several months) and in the early stages of the disease.
The gel helps to eliminate the pain and swelling of the joints, as well as the ointment, often used in physiotherapy. The use of the latter in phonophoresis helps with osteoarthritis and does not cause any side symptoms.
Price
The price of the drug in tablets is 350-450 rubles. A gel costs an average of 250 rubles. per tube.
Injections - 500-600 rubles. The cost depends on the region and the pharmacy chain.