Glucosamine tablets and capsules
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Oral formulations of glucosamine sulfate.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Relief of symptoms in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
Unlicensed Uses
Osteoarthritis.
Dosage
Adults
The usual dose is 1178 mg glucosamine daily.
Refer to brand information.
Additional Dosage Information
Relief from symptoms may not be experienced until after several weeks of treatment. If no relief is experienced after 2 to 3 months re-evaluate treatment.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to shellfish
Children under 18 years
Severe renal impairment
Renal dialysis
The powder for oral solution contains aspartame and is contraindicated in phenylketonuria
Precautions and Warnings
Monitor blood glucose levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. It is recommended that insulin requirements are monitored before the start of treatment and periodically during treatment
Diabetes mellitus
Patients with diabetes may experience fluctuations in blood glucose
Monitor cholesterol levels in patients with predisposition to cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Risk factors for cardiovascular disorder
Use with caution in asthmatic patients since glucosamine has been known to worsen symptoms
Renal impairment
Advise patient to take after food to reduce gastro-intestinal disturbances
Advise patient drowsiness may affect ability to drive or operate machinery
Some formulations contain sorbitol. Use with caution in patients with heriditary fructose intolerance
Some formulations contain sodium. Use with caution in patients on a controlled sodium diet
Some formulations contain aspartame. Use with caution in patients with phenylketonuria
Discontinue if there is a rise in liver enzymes
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Use glucosamine with caution during pregnancy.
The manufacturer does not recommend using glucosamine during pregnancy. At the time of writing there is limited published information regarding the use of glucosamine during pregnancy. Potential risks are unknown.
Lactation
Use glucosamine with caution during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer does not recommend breastfeeding whilst taking glucosamine. The presence of glucosamine in human breast milk and its effect on exposed infants are unknown. However, LactMed (2015) states its use by the nursing mother is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.
Side Effects
Hypercholesterolaemia
Indigestion
Tiredness
Itching
Flushing
Dizziness
Asthma
Vomiting
Angioedema
Urticaria
Decreased glycaemic control diabetes
Oedema
Increases in hepatic enzymes
Jaundice
Dyspepsia
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Allergic reaction
Rash
Pruritus
Erythema
Headache
Somnolence
Visual disturbances
Insomnia
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: July 2019
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Dolenio 500mg Film coated tablets. Blue Bio Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Revised May 2018.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Dolenio 750mg Film coated tablets. Blue Bio Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Revised August 2015.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Dolenio 1500mg Film coated tablets. Blue Bio Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Revised August 2015.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Glucosamine sulphate 1500mg powder for oral solution. Crescent Pharma Limited. Revised February 2019.
US National Library of Medicine. Toxicology Data Network. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed).
Available at: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT
Glucosamine. Last revised: 3 December 2018
Last accessed: 23 July 2019
Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)
Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/
Glucosamine Last revised: 17 April 2020
Last accessed: 05 August 2020
Medscape UK | Univadis prescription drug monographs & interactions are based on FDB Multilex Content
FDB Disclaimer : FDB Multilex is intended for the use of healthcare professionals and is provided on the basis that the healthcare professionals will retain FULL and SOLE responsibility for deciding what treatment to prescribe or dispense for any particular patient or circumstance.