Chondroitin complex

Chondroitin complex is a combination drug that is prescribed for the healing of cartilage tissue.

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Indications Chondroitin complex

It is used in the treatment of diseases affecting the function of the joints with the spine - such as arthropathy, osteoarthrosis, spondylosis and intervertebral osteochondrosis. It is also possible to prescribe a drug for bone restoration after a fracture.

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Release form

The drug is released in capsules contained in vials.

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Pharmacodynamics

The effect of the drug is provided by the action of its constituent elements.

Sodium chondroitin sulfate is a high-molecular-weight mucopolysaccharide that is an important participant in the processes of cartilage tissue construction. It weakens the effect of enzymes that destroy cartilage in the joint area and also promotes their healing. Due to this, joint function is normalized. The drug slows down the development of inflammation at the initial stages and also inhibits the degeneration of cartilage tissue.

During the treatment of osteoarthritis in the knee or hip joints, this element helps to reduce pain and reduces the need for NSAIDs.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is a chondroprotective element. It affects the processes of biosynthesis of hyaluronan with proteoglycans, and also reduces the deficiency of glycosamines.

At the same time, during the binding of chondroitin sulfuric acid, this component activates sulfur fixation. It also selectively affects cartilage inside the joints, slows down the formation of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue and superoxide radicals. In addition, it prevents the disruption of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis processes induced by NSAIDs and interferes with the destructive effect of chondrocytes with GCS.

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Pharmacokinetics

With a single use of capsules in standard portions, peak values of chondroitin inside the plasma are noted after 3-4 hours. Excretion of the substance occurs after 24 hours - through the kidneys. Bioavailability indicators are 13%.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is absorbed through the intestines. About 25% of the element penetrates into the cartilage tissue and joint synovial membranes. Some of the substance is biotransformed in the liver, resulting in the formation of water, urea and carbon dioxide.

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Dosing and administration

The medication must be taken orally - the capsules are swallowed whole, without chewing, 30 minutes before meals. The medication taken should be washed down with plain water. The duration of the therapy cycle and the size of the dosage portions are selected by the doctor, who takes into account the severity of the pathology and its nature.

Usually, an adult and a teenager over 15 years old are prescribed daily use of capsules, 1 piece twice a day. After 3 weeks of such a course, it is allowed to switch to a single capsule per day.

Often, such treatment lasts for 2 months, but to achieve a stable medicinal effect, it is necessary to take the drug for at least 0.5 years.

During treatment, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol and reduce the amount of sugar in the diet.

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Use Chondroitin complex during pregnancy

Prescribing Chondroitin Complex to pregnant women is prohibited.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• presence of hypersensitivity to drugs;
• tendency to bleeding;
• breastfeeding period;
• diabetes mellitus;
• thrombophlebitis;
• problems with the liver or kidneys, which have a pronounced form;
• phenylketonuria.

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Side effects Chondroitin complex

The use of the medication may provoke the appearance of the following side effects:

• gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, pain in the epigastrium, nausea, constipation, vomiting and bloating;
• allergy symptoms: the appearance of urticaria, swelling, rashes on the epidermis, itching, dermatitis or erythema;
• CNS disorders: insomnia, increased fatigue, feeling of drowsiness or general weakness, dizziness, and headaches.

If negative symptoms occur, you should stop taking the capsules and consult a doctor.

Overdose

There is no data on poisoning with Chondroitin complex. It is believed that in case of overdose, one can expect an increase in the intensity of negative symptoms.

Treatment involves symptomatic procedures. It is also recommended to consult your doctor in such cases.

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Interactions with other drugs

Combining the drug with tetracyclines may cause increased absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, when combined with lemomycetin or semi-artificial penicillins, the opposite reaction is observed - the intensity of absorption is weakened.

The medication reduces the body's need to use GCS, analgesic drugs and NSAIDs.

The effectiveness of the treatment is enhanced by including in the diet dishes containing retinol and vitamin C, as well as manganese salts, selenium, zinc with copper and magnesium.

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Storage conditions

Chondroitin complex must be kept in a place closed to children. Temperature indicators - no more than 25ºС.

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Shelf life

Chondroitin complex can be used within 24 months from the date of manufacture of the drug.

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Application for children

The use of the drug in children is not permitted.

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Reviews

Chondroitin complex usually receives positive reviews. Patients who have taken it note its high therapeutic effectiveness and convenience of the dosage form.

The disadvantages include the presence of negative signs (mainly in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, but this happens rarely), and in addition to this, the fairly high price of the drug. There are also reviews that indicate that this drug is quite difficult to find in pharmacies.