Chondroitin sulfate or chondroitin sulfate (from the Greek χόνδρος, "cartilage") is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan composed of a disaccharide chain of alternating N-acetigalactosamine and N-glucuronic acid. Chondroitin sulfate is usually associated with proteins constituting high molecular weight aggregates called proteoglycans. A chondroitin chain can be made up of more than 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in different positions and in different numbers.
It is an important compound of most vertebrate and invertebrate tissues and is present mainly in those with a large extracellular matrix such as those that form the connective tissues of the body, cartilage, fur, blood vessels as well as the ligaments and the tendons. Chondroitin sulfate provides cartilage with its mechanical properties and elastic, and provides this tissue with much of its resistance to compression.
The function of Chondroitin Sulfate in the body depends on the properties of all the proteoglycan of which it is a part. These functions can be of the structural type and of the typeregulator. However, some proteoglycans have both functions.
Chondroitin sulfate is the major component of the extracellular matrix of most vertebrate tissues and represents an important element in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues with a large extracellular matrix (connective tissues of the body, cartilage, skin, blood vessels, etc.). blood vessels, as well as ligaments and tendons). This function is typical of high molecular weight proteoglycans such as aggrecan,versican, Brevican and neurocan.
As part of aggrecan, chondroitin sulfate is the major component of cartilage. The level of aggregation and the strong charges of the sulfate groups of chondroitin sulfate give these proteoglycans the water-retaining property, which provides cartilage with its resistance to abrasion.compression.
In degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, deterioration and loss of articular cartilage occurs. A key phase in the degenerative process of osteoarthritis is the loss of proteoglycan (formed by chondroitin sulfate) from cartilage and the exposure of its collagen network to mechanical malfunction.
The interactive capacity of chondroitin sulfate with the proteins of the extracellular matrix is due to the negative charges of the molecule. These interactions are important in regulating a diverse range of cellular activities. Although these functions are not fully characterized as those of heparin sulphate orheparin, many new roles remain to be discovered for chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. For example, when there are injuries to theCentral Nervous System, the levels of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are increased, so that they act by preventing the regeneration of damaged nerve terminals.
What is it for
This medication is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. It belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs.
What you need to know before you take Chondroitin Sulfate
Do not take Chondroitin Sulfate
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Chondroitin Sulfate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
Warnings and Cautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
- Use caution if you have severe kidney, liver or heart disease.
Chondroitin Sulfate use with other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacistif you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
The administration of Chondroitin Sulfate at doses much higher than those recommended, together with an antiplatelet medication to prevent thrombosis, such as acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, ditazole, trifusal and ticlopidine, may slightly increase the effect of the aforementioned medications. .
Pregnancy, lactation and fertility
It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy or during lactation.
Driving and using machines
Chondroitin Sulfate is not expected to affect the ability to drive and use machines.
Chondroitin Sulfate contains orange yellow S (E-110), sodium and sorbitol (E-420)
This medicine can cause allergic reactions because it contains orange yellow S (E-110).
May cause asthma, especially in patients allergic to acetylsalicylic acid.
This medicine contains sorbitol (E-420). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Patients on a low sodium diet should note that this medicine contains 37.97 mg (1.65 mmol) of sodium per sachet.
Chondroitin Sulfate Usage
Follow exactly the instructions for administration of this medicine indicated by your doctor. Your doctor will indicate the duration of your treatment with chondroitin.
If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again. Remember to take your medicine.
The recommended dose is 2 sachets (total daily dose of Chondroitin Sulfate: 800 mg) per day, preferably in a single dose (2 sachets at a time) for at least 3 months. However, in patients with significant inflammatory symptoms, and whenever the doctor deems it appropriate, treatment can be started with a dose of 1,200 mg (3 sachets a day, in a single dose or in 2 doses) during the first 4 or 6 weeks to continue with 800 mg (2 sachets a day, preferably in a single dose) until completing the administration period of at least 3 months.
The treatment will be administered for at least 3 months, after which there will be a rest period of 2 months, to later restart it by repeating the same cycle.
Pour the contents of the sachets into a glass and dissolve it in a little water before administration. The intake can be done before, during or after meals.
If you take more Chondroitin Sulfate than you should
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist or call the Toxicological Information service, telephone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount ingested.
If you forget to take Chondroitin Sulfate
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Chondroitin Sulfate
Do not stop treatment early, as its effectiveness could be reduced.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
On rare occasions (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people), nausea and/or gastrointestinal disturbances have been reported, which generally do not require discontinuation of treatment.
On very rare occasions (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people), in patients with renal and/or cardiac insufficiency, some cases of edema and/or water retention have been described.
On very rare occasions (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people), an allergic reaction has been reported.
Reporting of adverse effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Medicines for Human Use:www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
