The article describes the instructions for use for the medication "Chondroitin".
The drug is a drug that normalizes and restores the state of cartilage tissue, as well as slows down the processes of articular degeneration.
During the treatment course with such drugs, the joint bag and the surface of the cartilage are slowly restored, the secretion of fluid inside the joint is accelerated and the connective tissue is synthesized biologically, the development of arthrosis slows down, and symptoms such as limitation of mobility, pain and joint clicks go away.
All recommendations regarding the proper use of the drug in various forms of release are available in its instructions and will be described in the article.
Structure
In accordance with the instructions for "Chondroitin", the main substance that is part of any form of the drug is chondroitin sulfate. The content of the active component in different forms of the drug is different:
- in capsules - 530, 417 and 250 milligrams;
- in powders for the preparation of an injection (auxiliary components are not contained in the preparation) - one hundred milligrams;
- in the form of an ointment - in one gram of 50 milligrams;
- in gel - in one gram of 50 milligrams.
In the capsules there are such auxiliary substances as calcium stearates, lactose, gelatins, titanium oxide. Other components in the gel and ointment: vegetable oils, lanolins, paraffins, water, macrogols, alcohols, propylene glycols, dimethicones, sodium citrates, starches and urea.
Release Forms
As the instruction indicates, “Chondroitin” is produced by different companies and has such forms as:
- white capsules taken orally: 50 or 60 pieces per pack, depending on the dosage of the product;
- white lyophilisates (powders) for the preparation of solutions for injection, produced in ampoules of one milliliter, ten pieces in one package;
- five percent ointment of white color with a weak specific aroma, produced in a volume of 100 grams in a tube.
It is important to remember that in any package of a medication there is an instruction for use, and you must follow all its recommendations.
Pharmacological effect
According to the instructions, “Chondroitin” with glucosamine is included in the pharmacological group of chondroprotectors, that is, drugs used in the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. The mechanisms of its influence are based on the activation of the synthesis of the main elements of cartilage tissue - proteoglycans.
The medicine has the following pharmacological features:
- the creation in the joints of a natural cartilage matrix;
- protection of joint tissue from damage and damage;
- prevention of degeneration processes that affect cartilage;
- inhibition of the activity of enzymes that destroy articular tissues;
- normalization of metabolic processes occurring in cartilage;
- restoration of cartilage;
- a positive effect on the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium in bone tissues and cartilage;
- elimination of the inflammatory process;
- anesthesia;
- decreased production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins (activate inflammation);
- preventing the replacement of connective tissue with cartilage;
- stimulation of joint fluid production;
- normalization of articular mobility.
Indications for use
In accordance with the instructions, the following indications for use are registered with Chondroitin:
- periarthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- osteoarthritis, which affects the joints in various locations, as well as any vertebral departments;
- degenerative joint changes;
- injuries and fractures of joints and bones.
The medication is prescribed to accelerate the formation of bone-cartilage tissue.
Contraindications
What else does the instruction for “Chondroitin” with glucosamine tell us? We will consider reviews below.
The medication has the following contraindications for use (it is indicated in the annotations and descriptions):
- pregnancy;
- excessive bleeding;
- breast-feeding;
- an allergic reaction to the constituent elements of the drug;
- children's age: the drug up to five years is not used in the form of capsules, and up to eighteen in other forms;
- thrombophlebitis.
A very important point is the exclusion of such conditions and diseases in a patient before a drug is prescribed in any form of release.
Instructions "Chondroitin"
Powders are used as follows.
The contents of the ampoules must be dissolved in one milliliter of injectable sterile water before administration. It is used only for the treatment of adult patients intramuscularly. Application Features:
- the first three days - one milliliter of the finished solution;
- from the fourth day, a single dosage can be increased to two milliliters (if the patient tolerates it well).
Chondroitin should be administered every other day. The duration of therapy is 25-35 injections. The treatment course can be repeated only after six months.
It is worth noting that after a course of therapy, the effect persists and accumulates over time.
Capsules are used exclusively inside, regardless of the meal. They must be swallowed whole and not chewed. The drug is washed down with the right amount of water (about 50 milliliters) for maximum effect.
For adult patients (after 18 years) - three capsules twice a day (250 mg) before and after lunch. The duration of the use of such a dosage is three weeks. After this, the treatment course continues for 500 milligrams (two capsules) twice a day for nine weeks.
It must be said that when the content of the active substance in the composition of the drug in an amount of more than 250 milligrams, it is necessary to recalculate a single amount, taking into account the official instructions.
For children from five to eighteen years of age, the dosage is two to three capsules per day (250 mg) in the morning or evening. The duration of admission is determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition.
Chondroitin in the form of ointment and gel is used exclusively externally. A small amount is applied to the affected area two or three times a day. You need to rub it with intense movements until it is completely absorbed. The duration of therapy is 2-3 weeks, which depends on the degree of the disease and the condition of the patient.
It must be remembered that, regardless of the form of release of the drug, it is not allowed to independently increase the dosage or extend the therapeutic course.
Overdose. Side effects
If the dosage of the drug is exceeded, significant consequences are not noted. In this case, the possible manifestations are allergic reactions in the form of redness, itching of the skin and rashes.
According to the instructions for use and reviews, Chondroitin is well tolerated by patients. The following are common infrequent side effects:
- hematomas and seals (small) at the injection site;
- various allergic manifestations (swelling of the mucous membranes and skin, redness, peeling, itching, minor rash).
A preventive measure against side effects is strict adherence to the prescribed amount of the drug, both prescribed by the doctor and indicated in the instructions.
Features of interaction with other drugs
The drug "Chondroitin" in combination with a number of drugs enhances their effectiveness (when using capsules and ampoules):
- fibrinolytic agents;
- antiplatelet agents;
- anticoagulants.
The tool goes well with other groups of drugs.
Lactation and pregnancy
Since there is no information on the safety of the drug for the fetus and the baby while breastfeeding, it is not used for treatment during pregnancy and lactation.
It must be remembered that if it is necessary to use it during the lactation period, breast-feeding should be temporarily suspended.
Instructions for use with Chondroitin with glucosamine are presented in great detail.
Combination with alcohol
There is no information about the appearance of undesirable effects in the interaction of the drug with alcohol. For safety reasons and to reduce the burden on the activity of internal organs, it is necessary to exclude the combination of alcohol and Chondroitin.
Analogs
In the list of foreign and Russian analogues of the drug “Chondroitin”, the following synonyms are distinguished in composition, by which the medicine can be replaced without losing the effectiveness of the treatment: “Artedzha”; Chondroxide; Structum; Chondrosat Chondroflex "Structin"; "Artiflex Chondro"; Arthrox Arthron Chondrex (in tablets); "Mukosat Neo"; Hondra-Force; "Arthrida."
The domestic analogue is chondroitin ointment - a cheaper means for joints.
Chondroitin of various production: Vertex; "Fitofarm"; Akos Twins.
Both domestic and foreign companies produce a lot of substitutes (dietary supplements), which contain chondroitin sulfate. You need to know that they are not medicines and can be used only as an addition to the main treatment regimen.
Any drugs should be replaced under the supervision of a specialist so that the treatment is as safe and effective as possible.
Chondroitin is found in many dietary supplements and medicines that differ in identical effects on the patient's body. The most popular combination preparations are as follows: Sofya cream-balm with glucosamine and chondroitin; Arthron "Doppelherz Glucosamine"; "Protekon"; "Zhivokost"; Teraflex “Solgar Glucosamine” (BAA); Sanaflex "Chondrosamine"; Osteoartisi; Saber; "Flex-A-Min"; Osteal; "Movex Comfort"; "Artiflex".
We will not consider in detail the instructions for use with the analogues of "Chondroitin".
special instructions
It is necessary to prevent the ingestion of external forms of the drug on the mucous membranes, since irritating effects can be exerted.
A drug of any form does not affect the patient's ability to control precision instruments, mechanisms and vehicles.
This is stated in the instructions for use of "Chondroitin" with glucosamine.
Reviews
Specialists often prescribe chondroprotective drugs, including various forms of Chondroitin. It is noted that the medicine is often more effective compared to others that only eliminate inflammation or anesthetize. It is important to take all its forms correctly in order to achieve a positive result.
The drug "Chondroitin" is used for diseases of the joints, bones and injuries; when using ampoules, the cumulative effect occurs faster, unlike its other forms.
There are also negative reviews, which say only about a slight dulling of pain and the lack of improvement.
We reviewed the Chondroitin preparation instructions and reviews.