The term "osteoarthritis" means a disease of the joints of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, accompanied by damage to the cartilaginous tissues of the articular surfaces.
The main signs of such a pathological condition are severe pain and deformity of the joints. Such changes in the human musculoskeletal system inevitably lead to functional insufficiency.
General information
The basis of degenerative-dystrophic changes in osteoarthritis is cartilage damage with the subsequent spread of the inflammatory reaction. That is why the disease in question is often called arthrosis-arthritis. Moreover, terminological definitions such as arthrosis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis and deforming arthrosis are presented as synonyms in the ICD.
In medical practice, the term "osteoarthritis" is very often used to refer to a progressive (chronic type) disease of the synovial joints.
In the treatment of this kind of pathology, drugs are usually used thatcontribute to the stimulation of the process of regeneration of cartilaginous tissues. One of these popular and effective remedies are Tazan tablets. Analogues of this medicine, its composition, principle of action, side effects and contraindications for use will be presented below.
The composition of the drug, the form of its release, description and packaging
"Tazan" - tablets coated with a white or almost white film shell, having a biconvex and oval shape (a rough surface is acceptable).
The active ingredients of this drug are chondroitin sodium sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. As for excipients, low molecular weight povidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, potato starch, calcium stearate, crospovidone, talc and ludipress are used as they are (added to obtain a sound mass).
The composition of the shell of tablets "Tazan" includes components such as propylene glycol, hypromellose, macrogol and titanium dioxide.
The medicine in question goes on sale in blister packs, which are placed in cardboard packs. Also, Tazan tablets (90, 60 and 30 pieces) are available in polymer cans.
The principle of action of the drug
According to the instructions, Tazan tablets are designed to stimulate the process of cartilage tissue regeneration. The active ingredients of this drug (chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine) are actively involved in the synthesis of connective tissue, and also prevent the process of destruction of articular cartilage.
The use of exogenous glucosamine helps to increase the production of cartilage matrix and provide protection (non-specific) of cartilage from chemical damage.
In its sulfate s alt form, glucosamine is a precursor to hexosamine. As for the sulfate anion, it is required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans.
Another equally important function of glucosamine is to protect inflamed and damaged cartilage tissue from metabolic destruction, which is usually caused by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and various glucocorticosteroids.
In addition to glucosamine, Tazan tablets also contain such an active ingredient as chondroitin sulfate. Regardless of whether this substance is absorbed intact or in the form of separate elements, it serves as an auxiliary substrate for the formation of he althy cartilage tissues.
As part of the Tazan tablets, chondroitin sulfate stimulates the synthesis of type II collagen and proteoglycans, as well as the formation of hyaluronon. In addition, this component helps protect hyaluronon from enzymatic cleavage (by slowing down the activity of hyaluronidase) and from the damaging effects of free radicals. Also, chondroitin sulfate stimulates the mechanism of cartilage tissue repair and maintains the structure of the synovial fluid. In the treatment of osteoarthritis, this substance eliminates the main signs of the disease and reduces the patient's need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pharmacokinetic features of the drug
What pharmacokinetic properties are inherent in the drug "Tazan 500"? Tablets (500 mg, 60 pieces) with glucosamine have the effect of "first pass" through the liver. The bioavailability of this medication when taken orally is about 25%.
The mentioned active substance is distributed to all tissues. However, its highest concentrations are observed in the liver, articular cartilage and kidneys. Approximately 30% of the dose taken persists for a long period in muscle and bone tissue.
Glucosamine is excreted mainly through the kidneys (unchanged) and partly through the intestines. The half-life of the component in question is 68 hours.
As for chondroitin sulfate, when such a substance is taken orally in a single dose of 0.8 g (or a double dose of 0.4 g), its concentration in the blood increases gradually throughout the day.
The absolute bioavailability of the component in question is approximately 12%. Almost 20% and 10%, respectively, of the accepted dosage of chondroitin sulfate is absorbed in the form of low and high molecular weight derivatives. The active substance in question is metabolized by desulfurization, and excreted by the renal system.
The half-life of chondroitin sulfate is 310 minutes.
Indications for oral medication
In what cases can the patient be prescribed Tazan tablets? Reviews of experts contain information that suchstimulating the regeneration of cartilage, the drug is especially effective in osteoarthritis of the I-III degree. A similar indication for use contains the instructions attached to the medicine.
Contraindications to prescribing medication
Tazan tablets are forbidden to be taken at/in:
- hypersensitivity to drug substances;
- childhood, namely up to 15 years;
- pronounced disorders in the kidneys.
With extreme caution, this drug is used for bleeding, a tendency to bleed, diabetes and bronchial asthma.
Tazan tablets: instructions for use
The drug is administered orally. For children over 15 years of age and adult patients, it is recommended to take 1 tablet 2 times a day. during the first three weeks and 1 tablet 1 r./d. during the next time. It should be remembered that a stable therapeutic effect against the background of taking the medication in question is achieved only after 6 months of continuous treatment.
Side effects
Tazan may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including epigastric pain, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea. Also, during therapy with this agent, dizziness, headache, skin allergic reactions, drowsiness, pain in the legs, tachycardia, peripheral edema, and insomnia often develop.
Drug Interactions
The drug "Tazan" is able to increase the absorption of tetracyclines, as well as reduce the effectglucosamine and semi-synthetic penicillins.
The agent under consideration is compatible with glucocorticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however, against the background of its use, an enhanced effect of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and fibrinolytics is possible.
Analogues and reviews
What can replace such a medicine as "Tazan"? Experts say that the following drugs are analogues of the mentioned remedy: Artra, Artrafik, Teraflex, Chondrogluxide and Chondroflex.
As for the reviews about this medicine, they are ambiguous. Many patients complain that while taking Tazan tablets, undesirable effects from the gastrointestinal tract very often occur. In such cases, doctors recommend reducing the dose of the drug used by 2 times. If there is no improvement, then it is better to cancel the medication.
Also, reviews often say that no clinical effect was noticed when taking Tazan. Doctors believe that if there is no result after the completed treatment course (for 4 weeks), it is necessary to resolve the issue of clarifying the diagnosis.
