Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of treating knee osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate
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Abstract
Glucosamine sulfate is a natural constituent of cartilage and is used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to provide a short but comprehensive pharmacotherapeutic update on treating knee osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate. A literature search was conducted of PubMed, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases, Cochrane Reviews and EconLit up to January 2010. The literature review indicated that the mechanism of action of glucosamine sulfate is based on hypothesis, but its treatment effects in knee osteoarthritis are symptomatic. With steady-state peak concentrations at the 1,500 mg dosage in the range of 10 µM, it is estimated that only 2% of glucosamine is incorporated in the cartilage. A once-daily dosage of 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate is licensed for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis and has been shown to reduce pain, improve function and exhibit similar safety to placebo. Glucosamine sulfate is likely to be a cost-effective treatment of knee osteoarthritis. In conclusion, a once-daily dosage of 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate is likely to be a safe, effective and cost-effective treatment of knee osteoarthritis as compared to placebo.
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