Glucosamine hydrochloride: instructions for use

One of the main active substances of most drugs for the treatment of joints and spine is glucosamine hydrochloride. It belongs to the group of metabolic correctors in cartilage and bone tissue. This is a very important substance needed for the normal functioning of the joints and spine. It is from it that the chondrocytes produce all the components of cartilage, articular fluid and connective tissue.

When to take glucosamine

This substance is the main component of cartilaginous tissue. And in the body it is produced little, especially with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, glucosamine hydrochloride must be taken with such pathological conditions:

• With osteoarthritis;
• In the complex treatment of osteochondrosis;
• With humeroscapular periarthritis;
• Spondylosis;
• After injuries;
• With degenerative processes of bone tissue in old age.

Now there are many drugs for treating such diseases with this substance in the composition. But it is best to buy the usual "Glucosamine hydrochloride". The price of it will be much lower than other drugs - from 250 to 300 rubles.

What is the effect of glucosamine

In the human body, cartilaginous tissue is produced only under the action of this substance. Glucosamine stimulates the production of polysaccharides, aminoglycans, hyaluronic acid. When you enter the body, this substance has such an effect:

• Normalizes the composition and amount of intra-articular fluid;
• Prevents and stops degenerative processes in the joints and spine;
• Removes inflammation and pain;
• Increases the mobility of the joints;
• Stimulates the production of collagen.

What is the difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride

Now, two forms of glucosamine are used for treatment. Most drugs contain sulfate. What is its difference from 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 - more than 80%.
• Glucosamine hydrochloride is better soluble in water, therefore it is absorbed by the body almost completely.
• Glucosamine sulfate is unstable, and it is combined with potassium chloride or table salt. Therefore, when it is taken, the patient may have an overdose of sodium chlorine, which is harmful in hypertensive disease, kidney disease and for people involved in sports.
• And what is the cost of choosing glucosamine? The price of hydrochloride is slightly lower, because sulfate is often produced from it.
• The main supplier of glucosamine sulfate is China. It is derived from chitinous crustaceans living in the South China Sea. They contain a large number of hormones and chemicals that feed them to accelerate growth. Therefore, glucosamine sulfate often causes allergic reactions. Glucosamine hydrochloride now began to receive their husks from corn, and it is more safe.

Preparations of glucosamine hydrochloride

Patients with osteochondrosis or arthrosis are often prescribed such drugs, which are classified as a group of chondroprotectors. There is the simplest form of production of the drug "Glucosamine", the price of which is low. This medicine is in powder. But most often, more expensive drugs are prescribed, containing both glucosamine hydrochloride and other substances:

• "Teraflex".
• "Artroflex".
• "Chondro".
• "Glucosamine + Chondroitin".
• Artra.
• "Chondrosamine."

How to use such drugs

Features of use depend on the availability of other active substances in the medicine. The simplest preparation "Glucosamine hydrochloride" is released in powder, and take it at 1.5 grams 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 in day. That the substance is better mastered, it is best to take it for half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is at least a month, usually 2-3. If necessary, after a while it can be repeated. In severe joint damage, the following treatment is usually prescribed: 3 months of taking the drug, then 2 months off. Such therapy lasts up to 3 years.

Contraindications and side effects

Glucosamine hydrochloride has few contraindications. It is not recommended to use it only during pregnancy, during lactation, in children under 12 years of age and with individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. Contraindicated glucosamine for patients with phenylketonuria and with severe kidney pathologies, since the main amount of it is excreted in the urine.

The drug rarely causes side effects, it is usually tolerated well. But sometimes during treatment the patient can experience such problems:

• Heaviness in the abdomen;
• Nausea;
• flatulence;
• An intestinal disorder;
• Allergic reactions.

Special instructions for the use of glucosamine

During treatment with drugs containing this substance, you should stop taking alcoholic beverages. It is also desirable to reduce the amount of sugar consumed, since glucosamine interferes with the sensitivity of the body to insulin. Do not exceed the dose of the drug prescribed by the doctor, because in large amounts glucosamine damages the liver cells. When overdosed, it can lead to the development of diabetes.

It should also be more closely related to the choice of drugs taken with glucosamine. It worsens the absorption of antibiotics of a group of penicillins and agents with chloramphenicol. It can not be used together with anticoagulants. But the drugs from the group of tetracyclines and "Ibuprofen" are better absorbed when taken together with glucosamine.