[Efficacy and safety evaluation of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of osteoarthritis].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucosamine hydrochloride for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

METHODS:

A multi-central, randomized, controlled clinical trial of glucosamine hydrochloride comparing glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of osteoarthritis was performed. One hundred and forty-three patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis were randomized into study (glucosamine hydrochloride) or control (glucosamine sulfate) group. Patients in study group orally took glucosamine hydrochloride 2 times daily for 6 weeks, each time 1 capsule, and those in control group took glucosamine sulfate 3 times daily for 6 weeks also, each time 2 capsules.

RESULTS:

The symptomatic improvement of joint pain at walking, at rest and stiffness after 6 week treatment with glucosamine hydrochloride was better than those with glucosamine sulfate. The results had significant difference (P < 0.05). Total effective rates of patients with glucosamine hydrochloride was 75.4% and 60.6% with glucosamine sulfate, but no statistical difference. The results suggested both glucosamine had the considerable efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Three cases in study group and 2 in control group reported mild adverse events. No severe adverse events (SAE) was observed.

CONCLUSION:

Glucosamine hydrochloride is as effective and safe as glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

• Authors: Wei-bin Zhang, Cheng-yu Zhuang, Jian-min Li, Zhi-ping Yang, Xiao-liang Chen
• Journal: Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery] (Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi) Vol. 45 Issue 14 Pg. 998-1001 (Jul 15 2007) ISSN: 0529-5815 [Print] China
• PMID: 17961392 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Glucosamine

Topics

• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Glucosamine (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Osteoarthritis, Hip (drug therapy)
• Osteoarthritis, Knee (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome