Modern sedentary lifestyle predicts problems with joints and spine in the future. Already, half of the people on the entire planet experience a lack of motor activity, which will certainly affect the he alth of the bones, and, by the way, of the whole organism. People are forced to take drugs at a young age to strengthen the cartilage tissue of the joints. One of these medicines is Chondrogard. Instructions for the use of this medicine are of interest to many, so we will consider it in more detail and find out all the pitfalls.
Composition and action of the drug
High molecular weight mucopolysaccharide chondroitin sulfate is the active ingredient of the drug "Chondrogard". Instructions for use reports that this substance affects the metabolic processes in the cartilage of the joints, reducing degenerative changes and restoring cartilage tissue. It does this by stimulating the synthesis of proteoglycans, whichresponsible for the formation of hyaline cartilage. The synovial membrane does not prevent the penetration of the drug to the site of the degenerative-dystrophic disease.
After intramuscular injection, the substance enters the bloodstream after 30 minutes, and completely penetrates into the articular cartilage after 48 hours. Chondroitin sulfate accumulates in the synovial fluid, which helps to maintain a long therapeutic effect. Soreness and stiffness of the joints disappear within 2 weeks after the first injection of the drug "Chondrogard". The instructions for use promise that after 3 weeks of injections, all symptoms of synovitis will disappear.
Medication "Chondrogard" (injections). Instructions for use, dosages
Indications for prescribing medication are:
- osteoarthrosis of peripheral joints;
- intervertebral osteoarthritis;
- intervertebral osteochondrosis.
The drug is available only in ampoules containing a solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection. Usually injections of "Chondrogard" are prescribed every other day at a dose of 100 mg. It is necessary to enter the contents of the ampoule without dilution, slowly, gradually. If the drug is well tolerated by the body, then the dose can be increased to 200 mg at a time, starting with 4-5 injections. The course of treatment with chondroitin sulfate is 25-30 injections. A second course of treatment can be started after at least 6 months.
Contraindications and other recommendations for drug treatment
To whom it is undesirable to prescribe a remedy"Chondrogard"? Instructions for use prohibit the use of the drug by persons suffering from thrombophlebitis, bleeding, hypersensitivity to the active substance. Also, injections are not given to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The medicine may cause some side effects, such as hives, itchy skin, dermatitis, hemorrhages at the injection site. However, these phenomena are rare, since the drug does not have a strong systemic effect on other organs and tissues.
Combined use with blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants, fibrinolytics) is highly discouraged, as their therapeutic effect may be enhanced. It is best to do a blood coagulation test before starting a course of therapy.
Drug "Chondrogard". Instructions for use. Reviews
In most cases, when performing injections, patients noted a fairly good effect literally after 10 injections: aching pain receded, the motor activity of the affected joint was restored, inflammation decreased, and the patient's general well-being improved. None of the patients had an overdose of the drug, the occurrence of side effects is also rare. People consider the high price of the drug and the fact that it is available only by prescription as big disadvantages. This is what makes many people look for cheaper analogues that can be purchased without a prescription.
Does the drug "Chondrogard" have analogues?
This remedy has a lot of substitutes, which are available in various dosage forms. The most common exact analogue can be called the drug "Mukosat". The active ingredient in it is also chondroitin sulfate, obtained from the trachea of cattle. Indications and contraindications for these two drugs are the same. The essential difference between the drug "Mukosat" is only that it is produced not only in ampoules, but also in tablets or capsules. For the price, the medication is only slightly inferior to the Chondrogard remedy, but you can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Chondroxide can also be called a popular analogue of the active substance. It is available only in tablets, which should be taken 2 times a day. Since the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract, side effects may occur in the form of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Medication "Chondrolon" is a substitute, which is also used only in the form of injections. Other forms, such as ointments or tablets, do not exist. Before performing injections with this drug, it is necessary to dilute the solution in the ampoule. Usually one ampoule is mixed with 1 ml water for injection.
Chondrogard substitutes also include Artradol, Structum, Kartilag Vitrum.
Similars are just as good?
If we talk about substitutes that have the same composition as the drug "Chondrogard", then we can saythat they differ only in name and manufacturer. A higher cost of a drug does not indicate a better effect. Sometimes even the cheapest analogue helps faster. Still, do not forget that only a doctor, based on the characteristics of your body, can prescribe and select medicines for you. This is also true for substitutes for the main drug.
As for drugs similar in their therapeutic effect (Alflutop, Ibuprofen, Chondramin), they are not able to restore cartilage tissue. These drugs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and do not eliminate the cause of the disease.
