Viartril-S Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules

1. Indications and Usage
Osteoarthritis: Treatment of primary or secondary osteoarthritis of peripheral joints, including knees, hips, and spine, to relieve symptoms and support cartilage repair.
2. Dosage and Administration
Standard Regimen: The recommended dose is typically 750 mg to 1500 mg per day, administered orally. This is often divided into three 250 mg doses taken at morning and mealtimes.
Duration: Treatment usually lasts for at least 6 weeks. If effective, it can be continued under medical supervision.
Administration: Should be taken during meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
3. Mechanism of Action
Cartilage Metabolism: Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar and a precursor for proteoglycan synthesis. It stimulates chondrocytes to produce normal proteoglycans, improving the repair capability of cartilage.
Enzyme Inhibition: It inhibits enzymes that damage cartilage, such as collagenase and phospholipase A2, and prevents the generation of superoxide free radicals in damaged cells.
Symptom Relief: By promoting cartilage matrix repair and reducing inflammation, it slows the pathological process of joint degeneration and relieves pain.
4. Safety and Warnings
Allergy Risk: Since the active ingredient is often derived from shellfish, it is contraindicated in patients with known shellfish allergies.
Gastrointestinal Effects: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, may occur.
Metabolic Monitoring: There have been reports of elevated blood glucose levels; diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar closely.
Special Populations: It is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and its safety has not been established in patients under 18 years old.
5. Adverse Reactions and Clinical Research
Common Adverse Reactions: Mild gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, drowsiness, and allergic skin reactions (rash, itching, erythema).
Clinical Research: Clinical trials have demonstrated that long-term use can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis, improve joint function, and reduce pain, though results vary among individuals.
6. Drug Interactions
Tetracyclines: Glucosamine may increase the gastrointestinal absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Penicillines and Chloramphenicol: It may reduce the absorption of these antibiotics.
Diuretics: Concomitant use with diuretics may require dose adjustments.
NSAIDs: It can be used concurrently with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, though dosage adjustments for NSAIDs might be necessary.
7. Pharmaceutical Information
Active Ingredient: Glucosamine Sulfate.
Appearance: Hard capsules containing white or off-white powder.
Storage: Store in a tight container, protected from light and moisture, at room temperature (below 25°C).