Arthrocare

Uses

Indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee, hip, spine, hand, and other locations as a dietary supplement. It is also beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis, sport injuries, migraine, different skin problems (e.g., psoriasis), vascular complications (e. g., atherosclerosis), kidney stones, and inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, leaky gut syndrome).

Arthrocare is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Arthritis, Backache, Joint Pain, Osteoarthritis (OA), Osteoarthritis of the Knee

How Arthrocare works

The mechanism of action of glucosamine in joint health is unclear, however there are several possible mechanisms that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Because glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, glucosamine supplements may help to rebuild cartilage and treat the symptoms of arthritis. Some in vitro studies show evidence that glucosamine reduces inflammation via inhibition of interferon gamma and Nuclear factor kappa B subunit 65 (NF-κB p65), improving the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain. Clinical relevance is unknown at this time.

Dosage

Arthrocare dosage

1 to 2 tablets, three times daily. Dose may be adjusted according to the response of the drug and body weight. Doses can be tapered after 60 days as per requirement of the individual and for cost convenience. Typical dosage recommendation, based on body weight is as follows-

• Under 54 Kg: 1000 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 800 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day
• 54 Kg to 91 Kg: 1500 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 1200 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day
• Over 91 Kg: 2000 mg Glucosamine Sulfate & 1600 mg Chondroitin Sulfate per day

Side Effects

Both Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfates are virtually nontoxic. Side effects are rare and are limited to stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea. These usually disappear when the tablet is taken with meals

Toxicity

The oral LD50 of glucosamine in rats is >5000 mg/kg. Symptoms of an overdose with glucosamine may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (common side effects of this drug). Severe and life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to glucosamine may occur in patients with a shellfish allergy or asthma.

Precaution

Patients with Diabetes Mellitus are advised to monitor blood glucose levels regularly when taking Glucosamine. No special studies were formed in patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic profile of Glucosamine and Chondroitin does not indicate limitations for these patients. However, administration to patients with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency should be under appropriate medical supervision.Children should not be supplemented with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Interaction

There have been no reports of significant drug interactions of Glucosamine and Chondroitin with Antibiotics, Antidepressants, Antihypertensives, Nitrates, Antiarrythmics, Anxiolytic, Hypoglycemic agents, Antisecretives, Antiasthmatics. Chondroitin may enhance the blood thinning effects of anticoagulants like Warferine,Heparine.

Volume of Distribution

Results of a pharmacokinetic study of 12 healthy volunteers receiving three daily consecutive oral administrations of glucosamine sulfate soluble powder demonstrated glucosamine distribution to extravascular compartments. Human pharmacokinetic data for glucosamine is limited in the literature, however, a large animal model study of horses revealed a mean apparent volume of distribution of 15.4 L/kg. Concentrations of glucosamine ranged from 9-15 microM after an intravenous dose, and 0.3-0.7 microM after nasogastric dosing. These concentrations remained in the range of 0.1-0.7 microM in the majority of horses 12 hours after dosing, suggesting effectiveness of a once-daily dose. In rats and dogs, radioactivity from a C-14 labeled dose of glucosamine is detected in the liver, kidneys, articular cartilage, and other areas.

Elimination Route

In a pharmacokinetic study, glucosamine was 88.7% absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. Absolute oral bioavailability was 44%, likely due to the hepatic first-pass effect. In a pharmacokinetic study of 12 healthy adults receiving oral crystalline glucosamine, plasma levels increased up to 30 times the baseline levels and Cmax was 10 microM with a 1,500 mg once-daily dose. Tmax was about 3 hours. AUC was 20,216 ± 5021 after a 15,000 mg dose.

Half Life

The estimated half-life for glucosamine is 15 hours after an oral dose. After a bolus intravenous injection of 1005 mg crystalline glucosamine sulfate, the parent drug has an apparent half life of 1.11 hours.

Elimination Route

Fecal excretion of glucosamine in a pharmacokinetic study was 11.3% within 120 hours after administration. Urinary elimination was found to be 1.19% within the first 8 hours post-administration.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant should not supplement with Glucosamine Sulfate or Chondroitin Sulfate. Glucosamine and Chondroitin has not been studied enough to determine their effects on a developing fetus. No studies have evaluated the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin during pregnancy or lactation. It should be taken with caution and medical advice during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindication

There are no known contraindications for Glucosamine and Chondroitin. But proven hypersensitivity (e. g. allergic to shellfish or sulfur) to Glucosamine and Chondroitin is a contraindication.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Innovators Monograph

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