The term "osteoarthritis" means a disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, accompanied by damage to the cartilage tissue of the articular surfaces.
The main signs of this pathological condition are severe pain and deformation of the joints. Such changes in the musculoskeletal system of a person inevitably lead to functional failure.
general information
The basis of degenerative-dystrophic changes in osteoarthritis is cartilage damage with the subsequent spread of the inflammatory reaction. That is why the disease in question is often called arthroso-arthritis. Moreover, terminological definitions such as arthrosis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis and deforming arthrosis are presented in the ICD as synonyms.
In medical practice, the term "osteoarthritis" is often used to refer to a progressive (chronic type) disease of the synovial joints.
In the treatment of this kind of pathology, drugs are usually used that help stimulate the process of cartilage tissue regeneration. One of such popular and effective remedies is Tazan tablets. Analogues of this medicine, its composition, principle of action, side effects and contraindications for use will be presented below.
The composition of the drug, its release form, description and packaging
"Tazan" - tablets coated with a white or almost white film membrane, having a biconvex and oval shape (a rough surface is acceptable).
The active active ingredients of such a drug are chondroitin sodium sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. As for auxiliary substances, low molecular weight povidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, potato starch, calcium stearate, crospovidone, talc and ludipress are used as additives (add to obtain a sound mass).
The composition of the shell of Tazan tablets includes components such as propylene glycol, hypromellose, macrogol and titanium dioxide.
The drug in question comes on sale in blister packs that are placed in packs of cardboard. Also, Tazan tablets (90, 60 and 30 pieces) are available in polymer cans.
The principle of action of the drug
According to the instructions, Tazan tablets are intended to stimulate the process of cartilage tissue regeneration. Active active ingredients of this drug (chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine) take an active part in the synthesis of connective tissue, and also prevent the destruction of articular cartilage.
The use of exogenous glucosamine enhances the production of cartilage matrix and ensures the protection of (non-specific) cartilage from chemical damage.
In the form of a sulfate salt, glucosamine is a precursor to hexosamine. As for the sulfate anion, it is required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans.
Another equally important function of glucosamine is to protect inflamed and damaged cartilage from metabolic destruction, which is usually caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and various glucocorticosteroids.
In addition to glucosamine, Tazan tablets also contain such an active ingredient as chondroitin sulfate. Regardless of whether this substance is absorbed intact or in the form of individual elements, it serves as an auxiliary substrate for the formation of healthy cartilage tissue.
As part of the Tazan tablets, chondroitin sulfate stimulates the synthesis of type II collagen and proteoglycans, as well as the formation of hyaluronon. In addition, this component helps protect hyaluronon from enzymatic cleavage (by slowing down the activity of hyaluronidase) and from the damaging effects of free radicals. Chondroitin sulfate also stimulates the mechanism of cartilage tissue repair and supports the structure of synovial fluid. In the treatment of osteoarthrosis, this substance eliminates the main signs of the disease and reduces the patient's need for taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pharmacokinetic features of the drug
What pharmacokinetic properties are inherent in the drug "Tazan 500"? Tablets (500 mg, 60 pcs.) With glucosamine have the effect of "first passage" through the liver. The bioavailability of this medication when taken orally is about 25%.
Mentioned active substance is distributed over all tissues. However, its highest concentrations are observed in the liver, articular cartilage and kidneys. About 30% of the dose taken for a long period persists in muscle and bone tissue.
Glucosamine is excreted mainly through the kidneys (unchanged) and partially through the intestines. The half-life of the component in question is 68 hours.
As for chondroitin sulfate, when this substance is taken orally in a single dose of 0.8 g (or a double dose of 0.4 g), its concentration in the blood increases gradually throughout the day.
The absolute bioavailability of the component in question is approximately 12%. Almost 20% and 10%, respectively, of the accepted dosage, chondroitin sulfate is absorbed in the form of low molecular weight and high molecular weight derivatives. The active substance in question is metabolized by desulfurization, and excreted by the renal system.
The elimination half-life of chondroitin sulfate is 310 minutes.
Indications for oral administration
In what cases can a patient be prescribed Tazan tablets? The reviews of specialists contain information that such a cartilage regenerating stimulating drug is especially effective in osteoarthritis of the I-III degree. A similar indication for use contains in itself and the instructions attached to the medicine.
Contraindications to the prescription of the medication
Pills "Tazan" is forbidden to take with / in:
- hypersensitivity to drug substances;
- children's age, namely up to 15 years;
- severe renal impairment.
With extreme caution, the drug is used for bleeding, a tendency to bleeding, diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma.
Pills "Tazan": instructions for use
The drug is prescribed orally. Children from 15 years old and adult patients are recommended to take 1 tablet 2 r. / D. during the first three weeks and 1 tablet 1 r./d. over time. It should be remembered that a stable therapeutic effect while taking the medication in question is achieved only after 6 months of continuous treatment.
Side effects
Taking the Tazan preparation can cause disturbances in the functioning of the digestive tract, including epigastric pain, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea. Also during therapy with this remedy, dizziness, headache, skin allergic reactions, drowsiness, leg pain, tachycardia, peripheral edema, and insomnia often develop.
Drug interaction
The drug "Tazan" is able to increase the absorption of tetracyclines, as well as reduce the effect of glucosamine and semisynthetic penicillins.
The drug in question is compatible with glucocorticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however, against the background of its use, an enhanced effect of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics is possible.
Analogs and reviews
What can replace a medicine like Tazan? Experts say that the following drugs are analogues of the mentioned drug: Arthra, Arthrafic, Teraflex, Chondrogluxide and Chondroflex.
As for the reviews about this medicine, they are ambiguous. Many patients complain that against the background of taking Tazan tablets very often undesirable effects from the gastrointestinal tract occur. In such cases, doctors recommend reducing the used dose of the drug by 2 times. If there are no improvements, then it is better to cancel the medication.
Also, reviews often say that when taking "Tazan" no clinical effect was observed. Doctors believe that if there is no result after the treatment course (for 4 weeks), it is necessary to decide on the diagnosis.