Structum

Structum (sodium chondroitin sulfate) is a medicine used to treat and relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. As an active ingredient, it contains sodium chondroitin sulfate, which is a natural component of cartilage tissue.

Here is some information about Structum:

1. Mechanism of Action: Sodium chondroitin sulfate is a key component of cartilage and joint fluid. It helps to improve cartilage structure, reduce cartilage breakdown and reduce inflammation in joints. It may also help increase the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, which play an important role in maintaining healthy joints.
2. Use: Structum is commonly used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis such as joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and mobility limitations. It may also be used to slow the progression of degenerative changes in the joints.
3. Dosage and method of administration: The dosage of Structum and the method of its use may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the doctor's recommendations. Usually the drug is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules.
4. Contraindications and cautions: Although chondroitin sodium sulfate is usually well tolerated, some people may experience allergic reactions. It is not recommended to take the drug if you are allergic to its components. Caution should also be exercised when used in patients with asthma, thrombophilia or taking anticoagulants.
5. Side effects: Rare cases of side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), allergic reactions and others are possible.

Indications Structum

1. Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis): This is the main indication for Structum. It is used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling and restricted movement.
2. Chondroprotection: Structum may also be recommended as a means of protecting cartilage tissue and slowing down degenerative processes in joints in patients at risk of osteoarthritis or at the first signs of its development.
3. Rehabilitation after injuries and joint surgeries: In some cases, the drug can be used to accelerate the process of recovery and remodeling of cartilage tissue after traumatic injuries or surgery.
4. Prevention of osteoarthritis: In patients at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, such as athletes or the elderly, Structum may be used to prevent the development of the disease or slow its progression.
5. Other joint diseases: In some cases, Structum may be used to treat other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, but in these cases its effectiveness may be less well studied.

Release form

1. Capsules

• Dosage: Structum is usually available in 250 mg or 500 mg capsules of chondroitin sulfate.
• Packaging: Capsules are packaged in blisters and boxes containing different numbers of blisters for a course of treatment for a month or more.

2. Pills

• Dosage: Tablets may be an alternative form to capsules and contain a similar amount of chondroitin sulfate.
• Packaging: Tablets are also packaged in blisters and cartons.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Stimulation of chondrocyte synthesis: Chondroitin sulfate helps increase chondrocyte synthesis, which can lead to the repair of damaged cartilage.
2. Anti-inflammatory action: It may reduce the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators in the joints, which helps reduce pain and swelling.
3. Stimulation of synovial fluid synthesis: This helps to improve the lubricating properties of the joints and reduce friction in the joints.
4. Protecting cartilage from further breakdown: Chondroitin sulfate may help protect cartilage from further breakdown by preventing cartilage degradation.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Sodium chondroitin sulfate is usually absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. However, the extent of its absorption may not be significant.
2. Distribution: After absorption, chondroitin sodium sulfate may be distributed to various tissues and organs of the body, including the joints.
3. Metabolism: Sodium chondroitin sulfate is not metabolized in the body and remains unchanged.
4. Excretion: Most of chondroitin sulfate is excreted through the kidneys, mainly unchanged.
5. Half-life: The half-life of chondroitin sulfate can be relatively long, usually several hours.

Dosing and administration

Method of Application:

Structum is available in the form of capsules or tablets, which are intended to be taken orally.

• Oral administration: Capsules or tablets should be swallowed whole with sufficient water.
• Time of administration: It is best to take the drug during or after meals to minimize the risk of stomach upset.

Dosage:

Adults:

• Standard dosage: The recommended dose is 500 mg of chondroitin sulfate twice daily. Thus, the total daily dose is 1000 mg.
• Course duration: The drug is usually taken for several months, depending on medical advice and the patient's individual response to treatment.

Kids:

• Use in Children: Structum is not generally recommended for use in children due to a lack of safety and efficacy data.

Special Instructions:

• Regularity of administration: It is important to take the drug regularly and not to skip doses to maintain its therapeutic effect.
• Duration of treatment: The effects of chondroitin sulfate may not appear immediately. Improvement of symptoms is usually seen after several weeks of regular use.
• Condition monitoring: If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor to reassess your treatment regimen.
• Interaction with other drugs: Chondroitin sulfate may interact with anticoagulants and other drugs, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Use Structum during pregnancy

The use of Structum (sodium chondroitin sulfate) during pregnancy should be performed only after careful discussion with a doctor. There is insufficient data on the safety of its use during pregnancy, therefore it is recommended to avoid its use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

If the use of Structum is necessary for treatment during pregnancy, the doctor should assess the potential risks and benefits to the mother and fetus and choose the safest treatment option for pregnancy.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to sodium chondroitin sulfate or other components of the drug should avoid its use due to the risk of allergic reactions, including skin rash, pruritus, angioedema or anaphylactic shock.
2. Pregnancy and lactation: There are no sufficient data on the safety of chondroitin sodium sulfate use during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, the drug should be used during this period only under strict medical prescription.
3. Renal and hepatic diseases: Patients with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction are recommended to use the drug with caution or under medical supervision due to possible increase of undesirable effects.
4. Thromboembolic disorders: In patients with a predisposition to thrombosis or thromboembolic complications such as thrombophlebitis, history of stroke or myocardial infarction, the use of sodium chondroitin sulfate may increase the risk of thrombosis.
5. Children: Data on safety and efficacy of Structum in children may be limited, therefore its use in children requires special attention and strict prescription by a physician.
6. Drug Interactions: Chondroitin sulfate sodium may interact with other medications, especially anticoagulants or antiaggregants, which may increase the risk of bleeding or thrombosis. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor beforehand about the possible risks and benefits of its use.

Side effects Structum

1. Gastrointestinal disorders: Stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or other digestive disorders may occur. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary.
2. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives or swelling of the face, lips or tongue may occur in some patients. In case of allergy, discontinue the drug and consult a doctor.
3. Hypertension: Some patients may experience an increase in blood pressure (hypertension) while taking Structum. If the patient already has hypertension, it is important to monitor its level while taking the drug.
4. Increased effect of anticoagulants: Sodium chondroitin sulfate may increase the effect of anticoagulants (anti-inflammatory drugs) such as heparin or warfarin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
5. Kidney problems: In rare cases, kidney function problems such as fluid retention or worsening of kidney function may occur.
6. Other rare effects: Other rare side effects such as dizziness, headache, or heart arrhythmias may occur.

Overdose

Data on overdose of chondroitin sulfate sodium (the active ingredient in Structum) are limited, and specific symptoms of overdose have not been described. However, because chondroitin sulfate is usually taken orally in capsule or tablet form, and because of its nature as a dietary supplement, the likelihood of severe overdose is low.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Anticoagulants: Chondroitin sulfate may increase the effect of anticoagulants, such as warfarin, in patients with clotting disorders. Although this interaction is rare, it may increase the risk of bleeding in long-term use of Structum in high doses.
2. Glucocorticosteroids: Chondroitin sulfate may enhance the effects of glucocorticosteroids such as prednisolone in patients with arthritis. This may lead to an improvement in symptoms, but care should be taken to avoid possible side effects.
3. Drugs affecting the gut: Chondroitin sulfate may enhance the effects of drugs that affect the gastrointestinal mucosa, such as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or drugs used to treat peptic ulcers.
4. Drugs used totreat cardiovascular disease: Chondroitin sulfate may interact with drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease, such as antihypertensives or diuretics. Interactions may be minimal, but are still worth discussing with your doctor.
5. Diabetes medications: Structum may affect blood glucose levels and increase the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. When using glucose-lowering medications, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly.