Chondroitin Sulfate (Herb/Suppl)

Osteoarthritis, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis

Efficacy

A compilation of the studies indicates patients with OA of the knee can experience some benefit from taking chondroitin; however, pain relief is likely to be modest or possibly insignificant.

MI: Some preliminary evidence indicates a possible lower risk of MI or recurrent risk of MI. More studies are needed

Allergic reactions, alopecia, constipation, diarrhea, edema, (eyelid/lower limb), epigastric pain, extrasystoles, nausea

Contraindications

Anticoagulated (IM use), clotting disorders (IM use)

Cautions

Asthma

Pregnancy Category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Cartilage derivative; component of hyaline cartilage matrix that may repair cartilage & reduce synovial inflammation