One of the main active ingredients of most drugs for the treatment of joints and spine is glucosamine hydrochloride. It belongs to the group of metabolic correctors in cartilage and bone tissue. This is a very important substance necessary for the normal functioning of the joints and spine. It is from it that chondrocytes produce all the components of cartilage, joint fluid and connective tissues.
When to take glucosamine
This substance is the main component of cartilage. And in the body it is produced little, especially with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, glucosamine hydrochloride must be taken in such pathological conditions:
- with osteoarthrosis;
- as part of a comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis;
- with humeroscapular periarthritis;
- spondylosis;
- after injuries;
- with degenerative processes of bone tissue in old age.
Now there are many drugs for the treatment of such diseases with this substance in the composition. But it’s best to buy the usual Glucosamine Hydrochloride. Its price will be much lower than other drugs - from 250 to 300 rubles.
What effect does glucosamine have
In the human body, cartilage is produced only under the influence of this substance. Glucosamine stimulates the production of polysaccharides, aminoglycans, hyaluronic acid. When ingested, this substance has the following effects:
- normalizes the composition and amount of intraarticular fluid;
- prevents and stops degenerative processes in the joints and spine;
- relieves inflammation and pain;
- increases joint mobility;
- stimulates collagen production.
What is the difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride
Two forms of glucosamine are currently used for treatment. Most drugs contain sulfate. What is its difference from glucosamine hydrochloride? It is believed that in the form of hydrochloride this substance is more effective and safe. Why is this happening?
- Sulfate contains only 60-65% glucosamine, while hydrochloride contains more than 80%.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride is better soluble in water, so it is absorbed by the body almost completely.
- Glucosamine sulfate is unstable, and it is combined with potassium chloride or sodium chloride. Therefore, when taking it, the patient may have an overdose of sodium chlorine, which is harmful for hypertension, kidney disease and for people involved in sports.
- And what is the cost to choose glucosamine? The price of hydrochloride is slightly lower, because sulfate is often produced from it.
- The main supplier of glucosamine sulfate is China. It is obtained from crustacean chitin that live in the South China Sea. They contain a large amount of hormones and chemicals that feed them to accelerate growth. Therefore, glucosamine sulfate often causes allergic reactions. Glucosamine hydrochloride has now begun to receive their husks from corn, and it is safer.
Glucosamine hydrochloride preparations
Patients with osteochondrosis or arthrosis are often prescribed such drugs that belong to the group of chondroprotectors. There is the simplest form of release of the drug "Glucosamine", the price of which is low. This medicine is in powder form. But more often, more expensive drugs are prescribed that contain both glucosamine hydrochloride and other substances:
- Teraflex.
- "Artroflex".
- Chondro.
- "Glucosamine + Chondroitin."
- "Arthra."
- "Chondrosamine."
How to use such drugs
Features of use depend on the presence of other active substances in the medicine. The simplest drug “Glucosamine hydrochloride” is available in powder and is taken at 1.5 g per day, but in severe cases, the dose can be increased to 3 g. Most often it is packaged in 0.5 g, so you need to drink the medicine three times a day. To better absorb the substance, it is best to take it half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is at least a month, usually 2-3. If necessary, after a while it can be repeated. In case of severe joint damage, the following treatment is usually prescribed: 3 months, taking the drug, then 2 months break. Such therapy lasts up to 3 years.
Contraindications and side effects
Glucosamine hydrochloride has few contraindications. It is not recommended to use it only during pregnancy, during lactation, in children under 12 years of age and with individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. Glucosamine is contraindicated for patients with phenylketonuria and in severe kidney pathologies, since its main amount is excreted in the urine.
The drug rarely causes side effects, it is usually well tolerated. But sometimes during treatment, the patient may experience such problems:
- heaviness in the stomach;
- nausea
- flatulence;
- bowel disorder;
- allergic reactions.
Special instructions when using glucosamine
During treatment with drugs containing this substance, you should refuse to take alcoholic beverages. It is also advisable to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, since glucosamine violates the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is not recommended to exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor, because in large quantities glucosamine damages liver cells. With an overdose, it can lead to the development of diabetes.
You should also carefully consider the choice of drugs taken with glucosamine. It impairs the absorption of antibiotics of the penicillin group and agents with chloramphenicol. You can not use it also with anticoagulants. But drugs from the group of tetracyclines and Ibuprofen are better absorbed while taking glucosamine.