Chondroitin
Chondroitin: instructions for use and reviews
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Use in childhood
- 11. Drug interactions
- 12. Analogs
- 13. Terms and conditions of storage
- 14. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 15. Reviews
- 16. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Chondroitin
ATX code: M01AX25
Active ingredient: chondroitin sulfate (chondroitin sulfate)
Manufacturer: VERTEX, CJSC Russia; OZON LLC (Russia)
Description and photo update: 2018-23-10
Prices in pharmacies: from 66 rubles.
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Chondroitin is a drug that regulates the metabolism in cartilage tissue and stimulates the process of its regeneration, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Release form and composition
Chondroitin is produced in the following forms:
- capsules: white, size No. 0, gelatinous hard; the contents of the capsules are a compacted mass or powder from pale yellow to white with a yellow tinge of color (10 pieces in a blister strip, 3, 5 or 6 packs in a cardboard box; 20 pieces in a blister strip, 5 packages in a cardboard box; 30, 50, 60 or 100 pcs. In a polymer can, 1 can in a cardboard box);
- gel for external use 5%: transparent, with a pale yellow tinge or colorless, with a characteristic odor; opalescence and the presence of air bubbles are possible (30 or 50 g in an aluminum tube, 30 g in a glass jar, 1 tube or jar in a cardboard box);
- ointment for external use 5%: pale yellow in color, with a specific odor (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 50 g in a dark glass jar, 30 or 50 g in an aluminum tube, 1 tube or jar in a cardboard box).
1 capsule contains:
- active substance: chondroitin sulfate - 250 mg;
- additional components: calcium stearate, lactose (milk sugar);
- capsule shell: methylparaben, gelatin, propylparaben, sodium lauryl sulfate, water, titanium dioxide (E 171).
1 g of gel contains:
- active substance: chondroitin sulfate - 50 mg;
- additional components: disodium edetate, dimexide (dimethyl sulfoxide), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (nipagin), propylene glycol, macrogol glyceryl hydroxystearate, lavender oil, orange oil (neroli oil), trolamine (triethanolamine), carbomer, purified water.
1 g of ointment contains:
- active substance: chondroitin sodium sulfate - 50 mg (in terms of dry matter);
- additional components: lanolin, dimethyl sulfoxide, petroleum jelly, purified water.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
The active substance of the drug - chondroitin sulfate - is a high molecular weight mucopolysaccharide that slows down bone resorption and reduces the loss of calcium ions. This substance helps to normalize phosphorus-calcium metabolism in cartilaginous tissue, accelerate the processes of its restoration, and also counteracts the degeneration of connective and cartilaginous tissue.
The agent inhibits the activity of enzymes leading to damage to the cartilage tissue, activates the production of glycosaminoglycans, stimulates processes that increase the production of intra-articular fluid, participates in the restoration of the articular bag and the cartilaginous surface of the joints. Thus, the drug provides a decrease in intense pain and an increase in the mobility of the affected joints. Since chondroitin sulfate is similar in structure to heparin, it is able to prevent the formation of fibrin thrombi in the subchondral and synovial microvasculature.
Chondroitin blocks the progression of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis, reduces the severity of symptoms of the disease. When taken orally, after the completion of the course, a prolonged preservation of the therapeutic effect is noted.
Thanks to the dimethyl sulfoxide included in the ointment and gel, the penetration of chondroitin sulfate through the cell membranes is facilitated.
Pharmacokinetics
When taken orally, over 70% of chondroitin sulfate is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The bioavailability of the product is 13%. The maximum concentration of the substance (C max) in the blood plasma with a single intake of capsules in an average therapeutic dose is noted after 3-4 hours, and in the synovial fluid - after 4-5 hours.
The drug accumulates mainly in the cartilage tissue, while in the articular cartilage C max is reached 48 hours after oral administration. The synovium does not prevent the penetration of chondroitin sulfate into the joint cavity. The metabolic transformation of a substance proceeds by desulfurization, excreted by the kidneys for 24 hours.
The rate of absorption of the active substance of the drug when applied externally, according to data obtained in experimental studies on mice using radiolabeled ZN-chondroitin sulfate, is 14%. After applying the gel or ointment, the active substance quickly enters the joint. C max is noted after 30 minutes, then there is a two-phase excretion of the drug from the cartilaginous tissue, the fast phase of which ends 1 hour after using the drug. The retention period of chondroitin sulfate in the joint is 5 hours.
Indications for use
Chondroitin is recommended for the treatment and prevention of the following degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine and joints:
- osteochondrosis (for gel and cream);
- osteoarthritis of the peripheral joints and joints of the spine.
Contraindications
A general contraindication for all dosage forms of Chondroitin is hypersensitivity to any of the constituents of the drug.
Capsules
- pregnancy and lactation;
- childhood;
- lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption.
With extreme caution, it is required to take the drug for patients with thrombophlebitis, bleeding or with a tendency to bleeding.
Gel and cream
Gel and cream are contraindicated for use in case of existing violations of the integrity of the skin at the site of the planned application. It is necessary to use the drug with caution during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Instructions for the use of Chondroitin: method and dosage
Capsules
Capsules are taken orally with water, 2 times a day: during the first 3 weeks - 3 capsules (750 mg), then - 2 capsules (500 mg). The recommended initial course is 6 months, after its completion, the therapeutic effect of the drug, depending on the stage and localization of the lesion, lasts for 3-5 months. The duration of repeated courses is determined by the attending physician.
Gel and cream
The gel and cream are used externally, applied to the skin over the lesion site 2-3 times a day. The drug should be rubbed into the problem area for 2-3 minutes, until completely absorbed. The duration of use of the ointment is 2-3 weeks, the gel - from 2 to 8 weeks. If necessary, the appointment of a second course is possible.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal tract: rarely when taking capsules - nausea, diarrhea, vomiting;
- immune system: rarely - allergic reactions (pruritus, erythema, urticaria).
Overdose
When using capsules in rare cases, symptoms of an overdose may be disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; with prolonged use of too high doses (more than 3 g), hemorrhagic rashes may appear. In this condition, gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment are prescribed.
Cases of overdose of Chondroitin when applied externally have not been reported to date.
special instructions
It is required to beware of applying the gel / ointment to the surface of open wounds and mucous membranes.
If the gel accidentally gets on your skin or clothing, it leaves no residue and can be easily washed off with water.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
According to the instructions, Chondroitin does not adversely affect the ability to drive complex, potentially dangerous machinery, including vehicles.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
There are no clinical data confirming the efficacy and safety of the use of chondroitin sulfate in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Taking capsules during pregnancy is contraindicated, if necessary, their appointment during lactation should stop breastfeeding.
Gel and ointment during pregnancy and lactation, due to the high probability of side effects, can be used only with extreme caution after consulting a specialist.
Pediatric use
The safety profile of chondroitin sulfate in persons under 18 years of age has not been studied, for this reason, taking capsules in this age group of patients is contraindicated, the use of gel and ointment is permissible with caution.
Drug interactions
With oral administration of Chondroitin in combination with antiplatelet agents, indirect anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, the effect of the latter may increase, as a result of which, against the background of this combination, more frequent monitoring of blood coagulation indicators is recommended.
Taking capsules can be combined with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticosteroids.
With external use of the drug, cases of incompatibility or interaction with other drugs have not been recorded.
Analogs
Chondroitin analogues are: ARTPA Chondroitin, Artradol, Chondroitin sulfate, Artogistan, Mucosat, Chondroitin-AKOS, Chondrogard, Chondroxide, Artravir-Inkampharm, Artrafik, Chondroxide Forte, DRASTOP, Chondrolon.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a place inaccessible to children, protected from light and moisture, capsules and gel - at temperatures up to 25 ° C, ointment - up to 20 ° C.
Shelf life of capsules and gel - 2 years, ointments - 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Reviews of Chondroitin
There are quite a few reviews about Chondroitin. Users in the overwhelming majority characterize the drug as an effective tool in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the joints and spine. According to reviews, the drug quickly relieves pain, swelling, improves joint mobility, and is in no way inferior to its expensive counterparts. Almost all reviews mention the availability of the tool.
At the same time, some users also note a weak and short-term effect of the drug, the appearance of allergic reactions during the period of its use. When comparing ointment and gel, sometimes the latter is preferred, considering its effect to be more effective. Also, in some reviews, dissatisfaction is expressed with the need to rub in the ointment for a long time until it is completely absorbed (otherwise it can stain clothes and bedding), while the gel is absorbed easily and quickly, leaving no residue.
Price for Chondroitin in pharmacies
The price of Chondroitin depends on the form of release of the drug and can be approximately:
- capsules 250 mg (50 pieces in a package) - from 310 to 360 rubles;
- gel for external use 5% (30 g in a package) - from 70 rubles;
- ointment for external use 5% (30 g per package) - from 60 rubles.
Chondroitin: prices in online pharmacies
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Drug name Price Pharmacy |
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Joint Chondroitin with Glucosamine gel-balm 125 ml 1 pc. RUB 66 Buy |
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Sustavit Chondroitin with glucosamine gel-body balm tube 125 ml RUB 76 Buy |
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Chondroitin body gel tube 30ml 79 RUB Buy |
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Chondroitin 5% with bee venom body gel 30 g 1 pc. 79 RUB Buy |
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911 Chondroitin gel-balm for joints 100 g RUB 80 Buy |
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Natura Medica gel-balm for joints Chondroitin and Sabelnik 85 ml 83 rbl. Buy |
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Natura medica Chondroitin & Sabelnik Gel-Balm for Joints 85 ml 1 pc. 83 rbl. Buy |
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Sofya Bee Venom Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream Body Cream 75 ml 1 pc. RUB 90 Buy |
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Sofia Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream Body Cream 125 ml 1 pc. RUB 100 Buy |
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Sofia Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream Body Cream 75 ml 1 pc. 109 RUB Buy |
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Chondroitin 5% gel for external use 30 g 1 pc. 110 RUB Buy |
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Chondroitin 5% ointment for external use 30 g 1 pc. 131 r Buy |
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Sofia Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream 125 ml RUB 138 Buy |
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Sofya Bee Venom Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream Body Cream 125 ml 1 pc. RUB 145 Buy |
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Sofya Bee Venom Chondroitin Glucosamine Complex Body Cream 125 ml 148 RUB Buy |
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Equine Health Concentrated Joint Body Cream Real Bovine Chondroitin with Glucosamine 200 ml 184 r Buy |
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Chondroitin 0.25g capsule 300mg 50 pcs. 269 r Buy |
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Chondroitin 250 mg capsule 50 pcs. RUB 350 Buy |
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Glucosamine 500 + chondroitin 500 tab. 1100mg No. 30 (bad) 397 r Buy |
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Chondroitin Fortified capsule formula 60 pcs. 407 r Buy |
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Chondroitin Velpharm caps. 250 mg No. 60 508 RUB Buy |
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NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin Capsules 120 pcs 2848 RUB Buy |
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Chondroitin and glucosamine tablets 545 pcs. RUB 8336 Buy |
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Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author
Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
