Use of chondroitin sulfate in diseases of the joints and spine

Form

The drug is produced as compressedpowder for the preparation of injection forms. One ampoule contains 100 mg of medicinal powder, which is equivalent to a single dose.

International Nonproprietary Name of Drug: Chondroitin Sulfate.

Pharmacological action of the drug

This drug acts directly on the phosphorus-calcium metabolism, which is carried out in bone tissue. It inhibits resorption, that is, destruction of bone tissue and cartilage degradation, somewhat reduces the overall loss of calcium in the bone.

However, it accelerates the recovery processes, both in bone and cartilage tissue, improves the properties of synovial intraarticular fluid, prevents excessive proliferation of connective tissue, which can lead to restriction of movement in the affected joint.

Due to its chondroprotective properties, the drug prevents the development of various osteoarthrosis, improving the properties of cartilaginous tissue.

Pharmacokinetics of

When taken internally, it is absorbed well when administered intramuscularly.

The maximum concentration of chondroitin in the blood is reached after 3 to 4 hours, and in the synovial fluid after approximately 4 to 5 hours. In a liquid, it has the property of accumulating.

Bioavailability of the drug is approximately 13%, it is metabolized mainly in the liver and kidneys. It is excreted from the body mainly by the kidneys, the half-life of it at the same time is 24 hours.

Indications for use of the drug

These include:

1. Degenerative dystrophic changes in the joints of the , including the spine. These are arthrosis deforming, osteochondrosis. This preparation is especially shown for diseases of the largest formulations, that is, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder.
2. Osteoporosis , including, arising on the background of long-term use of glucocorticosteroid preparations, also with a predominant lesion of large joints.
3. Paradontopathy , that is, a disease in which the periodontal tissue is damaged. These can be inflammatory, parodontopathy, dystrophic or mixed. Either this is a paradontopathy, the cause of which is not established, but the cartilage and bone tissues of the upper or lower jaw are destroyed.
4. Bone Injury .The drug is prescribed so that the bones coalesce as soon as possible, and the patient's ability to work is restored in a shorter time.
5. Deforming Spinal Disease .

Contraindications to the use of

Situations in which to stop taking the medicine:

1. Individual intolerance to of certain drug components. Moreover, even if the patient does not tolerate the non-active substance, but anything from the auxiliary substances, it is still not recommended to take the drug.
2. Allergic reactions of to one of the components of the preparation.
3. Pregnancy , especially the first half.
4. Lactation period .Scientists have found out that some part of the drug can get into breast milk. Therefore, during treatment from natural feeding will have to be abandoned.
5. Thrombophlebitis or propensity to it .This is due to the fact that chondroitin can somewhat change the rheological properties of the blood, which can lead to the formation of new thrombi or to the detachment of any already existing.
6. For the same reason, the drug is contraindicated and with the susceptibility to bleeding .

Glucosamine and chondroitin: two brothers - the preparation

In this pharmacological group there is another medication that is prescribed for the treatment of joint diseases. This is glucosamine sulfate.

Therefore, when choosing a drug, some are lost, and do not know which of the drugs to give preference.

What is more important for the body: glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate?

Glucosamine sulfate belongs to the same pharmacological group as chondroitin. That is, it stimulates the regeneration of bone tissue in the body.

When taking this remedy, the patient's need for non-steroidal pain relievers is significantly reduced. This leads to a decrease in the side effects that arise from them. In addition, it not only improves the properties of the synovial fluid, but also helps to normalize its production.

But the contraindications for this drug is somewhat larger than that of chondroitin. It can not be taken with phenylketonuria. With severe violations of the kidney and liver, this drug is also contraindicated.

Individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation - this is also all contraindications for use. In addition, it is not recommended for children until the age of 15 years.

And, unlike chondroitin, the form of release of glucosamine is a tablet for oral administration. Therefore, they can lead to disruption of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially true for people who have any kind of chronic illness.

Both one and the other drug have their advantages and disadvantages. Before you start taking any of these drugs, you need to determine which one is more suitable for a particular patient, based on his general condition and the presence or absence of concomitant diseases.

Mechanism of action of the preparation

The product has a rather good anti-inflammatory effect. Its action is based on inhibition of the activity of the so-called lysosomal enzymes, which take a direct part in the inflammation processes.

In addition, this drug reduces the activity of superoxide radicals, which can destroy many cells of the body. In addition, it helps reduce the inflammatory activity of substances such as cytokines.

As a result of its direct effect on the cartilaginous tissue, the cells of which begin to gradually recover. The anti-catabolic effect of this drug is based on the inhibition of metalloproteinases. This is stromelysin, collagenase, phospholipase.

This drug increases the resistance of cartilage cells to the action of cytokines on them.

Once the inflammatory process has decreased in the affected joint, chondroitin improves the penetration of glucosamine into the joint, which helps to restore the cartilage of the joint.

Method of administration and dose

The preparation is available as a solution in ampoules for intramuscular administration and as tablets for oral administration.

For local use, there is a form of chondroitin, available as an ointment.

Dosage of drugs

Intramuscularly the drug is given every other day. Single dose is 0, 1 g. Multiplicity of the drug once a day. The dose of persists for 4 days, if the patient carries the drug well, then the dose can be doubled.

The instructions for use indicate that the duration of one course of treatment with the drug Chondroitin sulfate is 24 injections. Repeat courses are recommended at least once every 6 months.

If the medicine is in capsules, the patient is given 3 capsules twice a day. The duration of such a reception is three weeks, then the number of capsules decreases to two. And in this scheme the drug continues to take a month.

External medicine is applied two or three times a day to the affected area. The duration of treatment should be at least three weeks .The course of treatment is repeated as necessary.

Overdose of the drug

Very rare. Overdose of the drug is possible only with prolonged use of the drug in a single dose of more than 3 grams. Possible nausea, vomiting, loose stools. Rarely can there be a hemorrhagic rash.

Side effects and special instructions

The drug is usually well tolerated, in some cases, allergic reactions to any component of the drug are possible.

When they appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

In the presence of small wounds in the area of ​​the affected joint, the ointment should not be applied until the wound or abrasion is completely cured.

If the patient is prone to bleeding, caution should be given in the form of tablets.

Specific instructions

The drug, which is available in the form of tablets, can enhance the effects of such drugs as indirect coagulants, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics.

If the liver and kidney function is impaired, the stage of the disease should be considered. If the filtration function is violated severely, then the dose of the drug should be reduced by half, since in this case the drug may accumulate in the body over time, thus causing symptoms of an overdose.

During pregnancy, the drug should be taken if the benefit for the expectant mother is greater than the potential risk to the baby. When breastfeeding the drug can be taken if you refuse for the duration of treatment from breastfeeding.

The drug can be taken in children from 12 years of age.

The cost of the preparation

The average price of chondroitin sulfate produced abroad in ampoules is approximately 700 rubles per package, in tablets - about 800.

Domestic drugs cost a little less, their cost is about 300 rubles.

Store the drug in a place protected from light and from children at a temperature of up to 25 degrees. After expiration date the drug should not be used.

Similar agents

Instead of chondroitin, doctors can prescribe medications with a similar composition.

The composition of such tools is often the same, but they are cheaper or have fewer contraindications.

So, instead of it, such drugs can be prescribed:

• Teraflex;
• Artradol( Russian production);
• Arthrin;
• Mukosat.

Prices for all drugs are almost identical.

Opinion of specialists and patients

Reviews of doctors and patients who take chondroitin sulfate are positive.

Doctors say

Testimonials of patients