Chondroflex
Chondroflex: 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. In case of impaired renal function
- 12. Drug interactions
- 13. Analogs
- 14. Terms and conditions of storage
- 15. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 16. Reviews
- 17. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Hondroflex
ATX code: M09AX
Active ingredient: glucosamine + chondroitin sulfate (glucosamine + chondroitin sulfate)
Producer: JSC "FP Obolenskoe" (Russia), LLC "Ternopharm" (Ukraine)
Description and photo updated: 20.11.2018
Chondroflex is a drug that stimulates the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Release form and composition
Dosage form of release of Hondroflex:
- capsules: hard gelatinous, size No. 0, pink body, white cap; the capsules contain white with a yellowish tinge or white powder (in a cardboard box 1 can of 30, 60 or 100 pcs. or 1-6, 9-10 or 12 blisters of 5, 6 or 10 pcs.);
- ointment: light yellow, with the smell of dimethyl sulfoxide (in a cardboard box 1 tube of 30 g).
Active ingredients in 1 capsule:
- sodium chondroitin sulfate - 200 mg;
- glucosamine hydrochloride - 250 mg.
Auxiliary components:
- capsule contents: magnesium stearate - 5 mg; mannitol - 70 mg; talc - 5 mg; croscarmellose sodium - 20 mg;
- body: Ponso 4R - 0.012%; azorubin - 0.0205%; titanium dioxide - 2%; acetic acid - 0.15%; gelatin - up to 100%;
- cap: acetic acid - 0.15%; titanium dioxide - 2%; gelatin - up to 100%.
Composition of 100 mg ointment:
- active substance: chondroitin sulfate - 5 mg;
- auxiliary components: lanolin, dimethyl sulfoxide, soft white paraffin, purified water.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
The active ingredients of Chondroflex in the form of capsules - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, are involved in the synthesis of connective tissue, which helps prevent the destruction of cartilage and stimulates tissue regeneration. Against the background of the introduction of exogenous glucosamine, the production of the cartilage matrix increases and nonspecific protection against chemical damage to the cartilage is provided. Glucosamine in the form of a sulfate salt is a precursor of hexosamine, and the sulfate anion is required in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans.
Another possible function of glucosamine is to protect cartilage from metabolic destruction associated with the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and GCS (glucocorticosteroids), as well as a moderate anti-inflammatory effect.
Chondroitin sulfate, regardless of whether it is absorbed in an intact form or as separate components, is an additional substrate in the formation of a healthy cartilage matrix. The main effects of the substance:
- stimulating the synthesis of type II collagen and proteoglycans;
- effect on phosphorus-calcium metabolism in cartilage tissue;
- stimulation of the formation of hyaluronone, followed by its protection from enzymatic degradation (suppression of hyaluronidase activity) and from the damaging action of free radicals;
- acceleration of bone tissue restoration processes;
- participation in the repair of cartilage and suppression of the activity of those enzymes that break down cartilage (elastase, hyaluronidase);
- slowing bone resorption and reducing calcium loss;
- inhibition of degenerative processes of cartilage tissue;
- stimulating the restoration of the cartilaginous surfaces of the joints, articular bag;
- maintaining the viscosity of the synovial fluid;
- protection of articular surfaces (acts as a kind of lubricant);
- relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and reducing the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When applied externally, Chondroflex ointment helps to slow the progression of osteoarthritis, normalize metabolism in hyaline tissue, stimulate the regeneration of articular cartilage, reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints, and improve the patient's quality of life. The anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate is directed mainly at the cellular component of inflammation, stimulation of the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans, inhibition of the activity of proteolytic enzymes; dimethyl sulfoxide - to improve the penetration of chondroitin through the skin.
Pharmacokinetics
Capsules
When taken orally, 90% of the dose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Cmax (maximum concentration of the substance) in blood plasma is reached after 3-4 hours, in synovial fluid - after 4-5 hours.
Bioavailability in relation to synovial fluid is 13 and 25% (for chondroitin and glucosamine, respectively).
After a single oral administration of sodium chondroitin sulfate at a dose of 800 mg (or 2 times a day, 400 mg) for 24 hours, the plasma concentration increases sharply. The absolute bioavailability is 12%.
Glucosamine + chondroitin sulfate is distributed in tissues. The highest concentrations are found in articular cartilage, liver and kidneys. Approximately 30% of the dose taken persists for a long time in muscle and bone tissue. Approximately 10 and 20% of the dose taken is absorbed as high and low molecular weight derivatives, respectively. The apparent Vd (volume of distribution) is about 0.44 ml / g.
Sodium chondroitin sulfate is metabolized by desulfurization. The highest concentrations in tissue distribution are found in articular cartilage, liver and kidneys. Approximately 30% of the dose taken persists for a long time in bone and muscle tissue. Glucosamine + chondroitin sulfate is excreted, mainly unchanged in the urine; partly with feces.
T1 / 2 (half-life) - 68 and 5.17 hours (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, respectively).
Ointment
Chondroitin sulfate is a high molecular weight mucopolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 20,000-30,000. Cmax in blood plasma is reached after 3-4 hours, in synovial fluid - after 4-5 hours.
Bioavailability is 13%. Excretion occurs mainly by the kidneys within 24 hours.
Indications for use
- capsules: osteoarthritis of the joints of the spine and peripheral joints I – III degree;
- ointment: degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the joints and spine (mainly in localized forms) - intervertebral osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis.
Contraindications
- severe impaired renal function (capsules);
- thrombophlebitis (ointment);
- pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding;
- age up to 18 years;
- individual intolerance to the components of Chondroflex.
Instructions for the use of Hondroflex: method and dosage
Capsules
Chondroflex is taken orally with a small amount of liquid, preferably 20 minutes before meals.
The recommended dosage regimen is 3 times a day, 2 capsules, after 21 days the frequency of administration is reduced to 2 times a day.
The minimum course duration is 3 months.
Ointment
Chondroflex is used externally. The ointment is applied 2-3 times a day in a thin layer over the site of inflammation and rubbed in for 2-3 minutes until completely absorbed.
The duration of use is on average 2-3 weeks (determined by the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug).
Side effects
Capsules
- chondroitin: allergic reactions;
- glucosamine: disorders of the digestive system (in the form of epigastric pain, flatulence, diarrhea / constipation), insomnia / drowsiness, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, allergic reactions, leg pain and peripheral edema.
Ointment
Skin allergic reactions are possible in the form of itching, hyperemia, burning sensation, rashes.
Overdose
Capsules
There is no evidence of an overdose.
Therapy: symptomatic, gastric lavage.
Ointment
Overdose development is unlikely.
In cases of the appearance of symptoms of skin irritation at the site of application of the ointment, therapy is canceled.
special instructions
Capsules
With the development of disorders from the digestive system, the dose of Chondroflex is reduced by 2 times. If symptoms persist, therapy is discontinued.
In the absence of a clinical effect after taking the drug for 4 weeks (4 capsules per day), the diagnosis must be clarified.
A stable therapeutic effect is achieved when taking Hondroflex for at least 6 months. During use, the need for NSAIDs decreases.
Ointment
Do not use Chondroflex on affected skin areas.
Avoid getting the ointment on open wounds, mucous membranes and in the eyes.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
According to the instructions, Chondroflex is not prescribed during pregnancy / lactation.
Pediatric use
For patients under 18 years of age, the drug is not prescribed.
With impaired renal function
Severe renal impairment is a contraindication to oral administration of Chondroflex.
Drug interactions
Capsules
Chondroflex is compatible with NSAIDs and GCS.
Possible interactions:
- tetracyclines - increased absorption;
- semi-synthetic penicillins and glucosamine: reducing their action.
Ointment
When applied externally, the interaction of Chondroflex with other drugs has not been established.
Analogs
The analogues of Chondroflex are Artravir-complex-INCAMFARM, Artra, Kondronova, Tazan, Chondrogluxid, Teraflex, Structum, Chondroitin ointment, Chondroitin.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a place protected from light and moisture at temperatures up to 25 ° C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Shelf life:
- capsules - 2 years;
- ointment - 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Available without a prescription.
Reviews about Hondroflex
According to reviews, Chondroflex is an inexpensive and effective drug. It is noted that the ointment has a greasy consistency, but is well absorbed. When taken orally, the effect develops gradually.
Price for Hondroflex in pharmacies
The approximate price for Hondroflex (100 capsules per pack) is 522 rubles.
Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, 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!