Diseases of the joints and spine can disturb not only the elderly, but also at a young age. Experts explain this by the fact that the diet of modern people is becoming less and less nutrients that are essential to support and restore cartilage.
If your joints hurt regularly, you should see a doctor right away.
In pathological conditions of the spinal column and ligamentous apparatus in general, doctors very often prescribe a medication such as "Chondroitin Complex". Instructions, consumer reviews on the effectiveness of this medication will be presented a little lower.
Composition, packaging of the drug and its release form
Do you know what ingredients are in Chondroitin Complex? The instruction informs that the active components of this remedy are glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sodium sulfate.
It should also be noted that the mentioned medicine contains such auxiliary components as sodiumstarch glycolate, low molecular weight medical polyvinylpyrrolidone, aerosil, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate.
"Chondroitin Complex" goes on sale in capsules. They are contained in a bottle and a cardboard box, respectively.
Pharmacological characteristics
What are Chondroitin Complex capsules? The instruction says that this is a combined remedy that is used to restore cartilage tissue.
The action of this medicine is due to the substances that make up its composition.
Chondroitin sodium sulfate is a high molecular weight mucopolysaccharide. It plays an important role in building cartilage tissue. This element reduces the effect of those enzymes that destroy articular cartilage. In addition, it helps to restore it.
It should also be noted that chondroitin sodium sulfate normalizes the functioning of the joints. At the very beginning of the development of the inflammatory process, it reduces its activity. At the same time, the degeneration of cartilage tissue is slowed down.
In the presence of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints, this substance reduces the patient's need to take NSAIDs, and also helps in eliminating pain.
What effect does glucosamine have? "Chondroitin Complex" (caps. 90), thanks to the mentioned component, is very often used as a chondroprotective agent. This substance affects the biological synthesis of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, and also reduces the deficiency of glycosamines.
Also followsIt should be noted that during the synthesis of chondroitinsulfuric acid, glucosamine is able to activate sulfur fixation. This component selectively acts on articular cartilage and inhibits the formation of superoxide enzymes and radicals that damage cartilage. In addition, it prevents the violation of the biological synthesis of glycosaminoglycans that induce NSAIDs, and prevents the destructive effect of glucocorticoids on chondrocytes.
Drug kinetics
After taking capsules "Chondroitin Complex" in the usual dose, the highest content of chondroitin sodium sulfate in the blood is observed after 4 hours. The drug is excreted through the kidneys in a day.
The bioavailability of the drug is 13%.
As for glucosamine hydrochloride, it is absorbed from the intestines. Approximately 25% of this substance enters the cartilaginous tissue and synovial membranes of the joints. Part of the agent under consideration is biotransformed in the liver. This produces urea, water and carbon dioxide.
Indications for capsules
What diseases does Chondroitin Complex treat? Reviews of experts report that this remedy is very effective in pathological conditions of the spinal column and joints. It is prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis, arthropathy, intervertebral osteochondrosis and spondylosis. Also, the drug can be used in the recovery period after fractures.
Medication contraindications
Chondroitin Complex capsules are not recommended for:
- personal intolerance to its main and auxiliary substances;
- breastfeeding;
- bleeding tendencies;
- thrombophlebitis;
- diabetes;
- pronounced impaired functioning of the kidneys and hepatic system;
- pregnancy;
- phenylketonuria.
Also, this drug is not assigned to children.
Capsules "Chondroitin Complex": instructions
Reviews about this medicine are described below.
This medication is for oral use. Capsules should be swallowed whole, without chewing. It is recommended to drink them with plain water.
The drug is taken 35 minutes before a meal. The duration of treatment, as well as the exact dosage, are determined by the doctor and depend on the nature and severity of the disease.
Adults and adolescents over 15 years of age should take one capsule daily, twice a day. One month after the start of treatment, it is allowed to reduce the dose to one capsule per day.
Usually, the course of therapy with this remedy lasts 60 days. However, to achieve a sustainable result, experts recommend taking the medicine for six months. During this period, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, and it is also required to reduce the amount of sugar consumed.
Side effects
What negative reactions occur while taking Chondroitin Complex capsules? Consumer reviews say that this remedy can cause pain in the epigastric region, flatulence, vomiting, constipation,diarrhea or nausea.
Also, the drug contributes to the appearance of:
- skin rash, dermatitis, urticaria, pruritus, erythema, edema;
- dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, general weakness, headache, fatigue.
If these effects occur, stop taking the capsules and consult a doctor.
Drug price
The cost of the funds in question is 850-900 rubles for 60 capsules. It should also be noted that SOLGAR Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex dietary supplements are often sold in pharmacies. Their price is much higher. As a rule, it is about 2800 rubles.
Reviews about the drug
Reports about Chondroitin Complex capsules are mostly positive. Patients who have taken this medication more than once indicate not only its high therapeutic efficacy, but also its convenient release form.
You can take capsules at home, at work, and on vacation.
As for the disadvantages of this remedy, they include the high cost of the drug, as well as a large number of adverse reactions. By the way, some patients also complain that this remedy is quite difficult to find in pharmacies.