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Brand

Cosequin, Glycoflex, Cartiflex, Arthri-Nu, Caniflex

Availability

Liquid, tablets, capsules

Pharmacology

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance found in and around the cells of cartilage, and is believed to help with their repair and maintenance. It is thought that glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, and that chondroitin sulfate provides strength to cartilage.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are classified as a nutritional supplement. The classification is defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994, and states that to be a nutritional supplement it should contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical; and that it be intended for ingestion in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, gel-cap or liquid form. Also that it not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet, and that it is labeled as a dietary supplement .

It is commonly used as a supplement in conditions where degenerative joint diseases are present.

Glucosamines and chondroitin sulfates are extracted from sea molluscs, shark skeleton, and from cattle.

Indications

May be used in arthritic condition and spondylosis of the spine.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Caution if using glucosamines/chondroitin sulfates in conjunction with other medications that influence platelet function, such as aspirin, and phenylbutazone.

Adverse Reactions

Blood:  decreased platelet (blood clotting cell) function.

Dosage Recommendations

The following dosages are empirical.

1/6 tablet to 1/4 tablet per day of 1 tablet containing 250 mg glucosamine and 200 mg chondroitin. Best result reported at the 1/4 tablet per day ( RMCA article, “Arthritis in rats, A Remedy?” ).

or

40 mg/kg once a day ( RMCA article, “Care of older paralyzed rats”).

Considerations

• Don’t stop the rat’s current medication regimen, diet, or treatments, as glucosamine/chondroitin is a nutritional supplement to be used complementary with current treatment. It may take these types of supplements awhile before results may be seen. It is therefore important to continue the medications regimen that your rat may be getting.
• Dietary supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are not regulated by the FDA

Posted on June 28, 2003, 07:05, Last updated on December 15, 2008, 11:13 | Herbals & Health Supplements