To inhibit the destruction of articular and cartilage tissue, experts recommend the use of drugs from the category of chondroprotectors. The action of such funds is aimed at protecting and restoring the joint. A popular and effective tool is "Artradol." Instructions for use, the release form and analogues of the medication will be discussed in detail in the article.
Drug description
With degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, additional support for the joints is needed, which certain medications can provide. Such drugs belong to the category of chondroprotectors. They can be used to treat any stage of the disease, because they have anti-inflammatory, antiproteolytic and antioxidant effects, stimulate the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and increase the production of synovial fluid.
The drug "Artradol" is able to improve the metabolism in the joint tissues. Instructions for use describe in detail the composition of this drug, indications for its use, mechanism of action and features of use. The chondroprotector is suitable both for treatment and for the prevention of pathologies of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.
Domestic pharmaceutical companies Inkampharm, Biok, and Armavir Biofactory are engaged in the production of the medicine. You can buy it in pharmacies at a price of 600 to 780 rubles per package.
Release form
A medication is realized in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a solution is prepared for intramuscular administration. One ampoule contains 2 ml of a drug that looks like a porous tablet. "Artradol" in ampoules is placed on a cardboard pallet. One package may contain one or two such pallets, which contain 5 or 10 ampoules with lyophilisate.
Another form of chondroprotector release is an ointment for external use. It contains 5% of the active component. In pharmacies, the drug in the form of ointment is extremely rare. This is due to the fact that the agent is more effective when administered intramuscularly.
Structure
What is the active ingredient in Artradol? Chondroitin sulfate, the main component of proteoglycans participating together with collagen fibers in the formation of the cartilage matrix, is responsible for the therapeutic effect of the drug. One ampoule contains 100 mg of this component. 1 g of ointment contains 0.05 g of chondroitin sulfate and auxiliary components in the form of anhydrous lanolin, medical vaseline, dimethyl sulfoxide and water.
How does the drug work?
The active substance is characterized by chondroprotective effectiveness, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the activity of enzymes that cause degenerative-dystrophic changes in the articular cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate stimulates the regeneration of articular tissues, activates the processes of synovial fluid production.
According to reviews, “Artradol" has pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and chondroprotective properties. The drug significantly improves joint mobility, prevents the collapse of connective tissue.
A large concentration of the drug in the blood can be detected within 15 minutes after intramuscular injection. The active substance accumulates mainly in cartilage. To achieve the necessary therapeutic effect, a long medication is required. The duration of the treatment course should be at least two months.
When is Arthradol prescribed?
Indications for the use of this drug are various diseases of the joints and spine. Only a specialist should prescribe drug therapy.
With most of the degenerative-dystrophic pathologies, destruction of the joint tissues is observed. You can start the process of their recovery only with the help of modern drugs from the category of chondroprotectors, for example, “Artradol”. Instructions for use informs that the medication will be effective in the following cases:
- with primary and secondary osteoarthrosis;
- with arthritis;
- with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine;
- if necessary, prevention of arthrosis.
Cartilage pathologies are often found in people older than 50 years. This is due to the fact that at this age, dehydration of the intervertebral discs is observed, which negatively affects their elasticity. People who suffer from endocrine and metabolic disorders, excess weight, leading a sedentary lifestyle also have a predisposition.
Application features
Specialists recommend “Artradol” for injections during exacerbations of pathologies of the spine and joints. The increased speed of "delivery" of the active component of the drug to the focus of the inflammatory process will make treatment more effective. The need for long-term use of a chondroprotective agent is fully justified. After completing the course of therapy, the general condition improves significantly, motor activity is restored, and the main symptoms of the pathological process are eliminated.
Dosage
According to the instructions for use, "Artradol" should be pricked at 100 mg every other day. Pre-lyophilisate is mixed with 1 ml of water for injection. If after several injections the patient has no complaints regarding the tolerability of the drug, it is allowed to increase the single dosage to 200 mg.
The course of therapy should consist of a minimum of 25 injections. Repeat treatment is desirable every six months. The duration of repeated treatment courses is determined by a neurologist.
Contraindications
The drug is not used in pediatric practice, because the effect of the drug on patients under the age of 18 has not been studied. It is not recommended to prescribe a chondroprotector to patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance in the lyophilisate. With caution, it is prescribed for a tendency to bleeding, as well as people suffering from thrombophlebitis, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects
With prolonged use of the medication, some negative reactions of the body may appear. Although such cases are recorded extremely rarely. Side effects include an allergic rash, hemorrhage at the injection site.
With the simultaneous use of injections of "Artradol" and drugs from the category of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics, you will need to regularly take a blood test to determine its coagulability.
Possible substitutes
With osteochondrosis of the spine, especially in the initial stage, chondroprotectors in the form of injections will be very effective. Such funds quickly improve the mobility of the vertebrae and contribute to the activation of the regeneration processes of damaged joint tissues.
As analogues of "Artradol" you can use the following tools:
- "Don."
- Alflutop.
- Chondrogard.
- Structum.
- Chondroitin Sulfate.
- Mucosat.
A huge advantage of a domestic product is its cost. Given the fact that therapy should last at least two months, in order to save money, many still opt for a cheaper drug. Despite the low cost, Artradol is not inferior in effectiveness to foreign analogues.
Alflutop or Artradol?
As an active component in the composition of the drug "Alflutop" is used raw materials obtained from cartilage tissue extracts of four species of marine fish. The substance is purified from proteins and fats. The cost of a drug from a Romanian pharmaceutical company is several times higher than the price of Artradol. A package with 10 ampoules of solution will cost the patient 1580-1700 rubles.
The medicine is injected directly into the joint. It is worth noting that this is a rather painful manipulation, but at the same time, the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug is significantly increased. Assign the drug to patients who have a history of arthrosis, coxarthrosis, osteochondrosis and other pathologies of the joints and musculoskeletal system.
After the solution is injected into the joint, a burning sensation, itching of the skin, short-term myalgia may appear. Do not prescribe the drug to children under 18 years old, patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the solution, pregnant and lactating women.
"Artradol": reviews
As a chondroprotector, the drug "Artradol" is considered quite effective. It is recommended for use in degenerative-dystrophic pathologies by many neuropathologists. According to patients' reviews, after passing the course of therapy with this medication, positive dynamics and improvement of the condition are observed. The effect lasts for several months.