Flextril
Flextril Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Flextril is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Flextril stimulates the production of proteoglycans and increases sulfate uptake by articular cartilage.
The administration of glucosamine, in theory, provides a building block towards the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and relieving symptoms of joint pain. Studies to this date examining the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate have been inconclusive. Glycosaminoglycans contribute to joint cartilage elasticity, strength, and flexibility. A systematic review of various studies and guidelines determined that modest improvements were reported for joint pain and function in patients taking glucosamine. A consistent joint space narrowing was observed, but with an unclear clinical significance.
| Trade Name | Flextril |
| Availability | Rx and/or OTC |
| Generic | Glucosamine |
| Glucosamine Other Names | Chitosamine, D-Glucosamine, Glucosamina, Glucosamine |
| Related Drugs | aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, Cymbalta |
| Type | |
| Formula | C6H13NO5 |
| Weight | Average: 179.1711 Monoisotopic: 179.079372531 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Stimulation of Cartilage formation |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | Colombia |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee, hip, spine, and other locations. Also used as dietary supplement
Flextril is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Arthritis, Backache, Joint Pain, Osteoarthritis (OA), Osteoarthritis of the Knee
How Flextril 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
Flextril dosage
500 mg tablet three times daily or as directed by the physician. A single dose of 1500 mg daily may also be effective. Obese individuals may need higher doses, based on body weight.
Side Effects
Safety studies with Flextril show no demonstrable toxicity. Rarely occurring side effects like mild & reversible intestinal flatulence are almost like placebo.
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
Diabetics are advised to monitor blood glucose levels regularly while taking Flextril. No special studies were formed in patients with renal and/or hepatic insufficiency. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic profile of the product does not indicate limitations for these patients. However, administration to these patients with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency should be under appropriate medical supervision.
Interaction
There have been no reports of significant drug interactions ofFlextril with antibiotics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, nitrates, antiarrhythmics, anxiolytic, hypoglycaemic agents, anti-secretives.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.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. Flextril has not been studied enough to determine their effects on a developing fetus. And no studies have evaluated the use of Flextril during pregnancy or lactation. It should be taken with caution and medical advice during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindication
There are no known contraindications for Flextril. But proven hypersensitivity to Flextril is a contraindication.
Storage Condition
Should be stored in cool and dry place.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Flextril
FAQ
What is Flextril good for?
Flextril is a popular dietary supplement used to treat osteoarthritis. People use Flextril orally to treat a painful condition caused by the inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage.
How safe is Flextril?
Flextril is possibly safe for most adults when used for up to 2 years.
What are the common side effects of Flextril?
Side effects of Flextril are typically mild and include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. More serious side effects, including drowsiness, skin reactions, and headache are rare.
Is Flextril safe during pregnancy?
These limited data suggest no increased risk for major malformations or other adverse fetal effects following the use of Flextril during pregnancy.
Is Flextril safe during breastfeeding?
No studies exist on the use of Flextril during breastfeeding, its use by a nursing mother is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.
Can I drink alcohol with Flextril?
Talk to your doctor before taking Flextril, especially if you are sick or if you are taking other medicine (including herbs or vitamins). You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine, smoke, or use illegal drugs. These can affect the way Flextril works.
When should be taken of Flextril?
Flextril should be best taken with meals.
How many time can I take Flextril daily?
Generally, Flextril should be taken three times per day.
How much Flextril can I take daily?
Doses usually range from 300–500 mg with each meal, adding up to a total daily dose of 900–1,500 mg. Most studies used 1,500 mg per day.
How long does Flextril take to work?
It can take four to eight weeks for Flextril to ease pain.
What is the half life of Flextril?
Flextril is subject to a high degree of first pass metabolism, such that oral bioavailability is poor. The half-life has been reported to vary from 28 to 58 hours.
Can I take Flextril for a long time?
Multiple studies indicate that taking daily Flextril supplements may offer effective, long-term treatment for OA by significantly reducing pain, helping maintain joint space, and slowing disease progression.
What happen If I missed Flextril?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Flextril to make up the missed dose.
Who should not take Flextril?
Do not use different formulations of Flextril at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of Flextril. Flextril can cause unusual results with a blood glucose (sugar) test. Do not use this product without a doctor's advice if you are diabetic.
Can I stop taking Flextril?
Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin and Flextril is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years. Stop using chondroitin and Flextril and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: irregular heartbeats; or. swelling in your legs.
What happen if I overdose on Flextril?
Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and stomach pain. The supplement combo may also cause puffy eyes and hair loss.
Is Flextril bad for the heart?
People who regularly take Flextril were found to have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and death from heart or circulatory diseases, according to a new study.
Can I take Flextril with kidney problems?
Flextril is a safe medication for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Can Flextril affects my liver?
liver injury due to Flextril or chondroitin must be very rare.
