One of the main active ingredients of most drugs for the treatment of joints and spine is glucosamine hydrochloride. It belongs to the group of correctors of metabolism in cartilage and bone tissue. This is a very important substance necessary for the normal functioning of the joints and spine. It is from it that chondrocytes produce all the components of cartilage, joint fluid and connective tissues.
When to take glucosamine
This substance is the main component of cartilage tissue. And in the body it is produced little, especially in diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, glucosamine hydrochloride must be taken in the following pathological conditions:
- for osteoarthritis;
- as part of complex treatment of osteochondrosis;
- with humeroscapular periarthritis;
- spondylosis;
- after injury;
- with degenerative processes of bone tissue in old age.
Now there are many drugs for the treatment ofsuch diseases with this substance in the composition. But it is best to buy the usual "Glucosamine hydrochloride". Its price will be much lower than other medicines - from 250 to 300 rubles.
What effect does glucosamine have
In the human body, cartilage tissue is produced only under the influence of this substance. Glucosamine stimulates the production of polysaccharides, aminoglycans, hyaluronic acid. When ingested, this substance has the following effect:
- normalizes the composition and amount of intra-articular fluid;
- prevents and stops degenerative processes in the joints and spine;
- reduces inflammation and pain;
- increases joint mobility;
- stimulates collagen production.
What is the difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride
Two forms of glucosamine are now used for treatment. Most preparations contain sulfate. What is the difference between it and glucosamine hydrochloride? It is believed that in the form of hydrochloride this substance is more effective and safe. Why is this happening?
- Sulfate contains only 60-65% glucosamine, while hydrochloride is over 80%.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride dissolves better in water, so it is absorbed by the body almost completely.
- Glucosamine sulfate is unstable and is combined with potassium chloride or table s alt. Therefore, when taking it, the patient may have an overdose of sodium chloride, which is harmful in hypertension,kidney diseases and for people involved in sports.
- And what cost to choose glucosamine? The price of hydrochloride is slightly lower because sulfate is often made from it.
- The main supplier of glucosamine sulfate is China. It is obtained from the chitin of crustaceans that live in the South China Sea. They contain large amounts of hormones and chemicals that are fed to them to promote growth. Therefore, glucosamine sulfate often causes allergic reactions. Glucosamine hydrochloride is now available in their corn husks and is safer.
Glucosamine hydrochloride preparations
Patients with osteochondrosis or arthrosis are often prescribed drugs that belong to the group of chondroprotectors. There is the simplest form of release of the drug "Glucosamine", the price of which is low. This medicine is in powder form. But more expensive products are most often prescribed, containing both glucosamine hydrochloride and other substances:
- Teraflex.
- Arthroflex.
- Chondro.
- Glucosamine + Chondroitin.
- Artra.
- Chondrosamine.
How to use these drugs
Features of use depend on the presence of other active ingredients in the medicine. The simplest drug "Glucosamine hydrochloride" is available in powder, and it is taken 1.5 g per day, but in severe cases the dose can be increased to 3 g. Most often it is packaged in 0.5 g, so you need to drink the medicine three times a day. day. In order for the substance to be better absorbed, it is besttake it half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is at least a month, usually 2-3. If necessary, after a while it can be repeated. In case of serious damage to the joints, the following treatment is usually prescribed: 3 months of taking the drug, then a 2-month break. This therapy continues up to 3 years.
Contraindications and side effects
Glucosamine hydrochloride has few contraindications. It is not recommended to use it only during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, in children under 12 years of age and with individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. Glucosamine is contraindicated for patients with phenylketonuria and severe kidney pathologies, since most of its amount is excreted in the urine.
Drug rarely causes side effects, usually well tolerated. But sometimes during treatment, the patient may experience such problems:
- heaviness in the stomach;
- nausea;
- flatulence;
- indigestion;
- allergic reactions.
Special instructions for using glucosamine
During treatment with preparations containing this substance, you should refuse to take alcoholic beverages. It is also advisable to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, since glucosamine impairs the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is not recommended to exceed the dose of the drug prescribed by the doctor, because in large quantities glucosamine damages liver cells. Atan overdose of it can lead to the development of diabetes.
You should also be more careful about the choice of drugs taken with glucosamine. It impairs the absorption of antibiotics of the penicillin group and agents with chloramphenicol. You can not use it also together with anticoagulants. But drugs from the tetracycline group and Ibuprofen are better absorbed when taken simultaneously with glucosamine.
