chitosamine


glucosamine

(glew-kos-ah-meen) glucosamine,

2-amino-2-deoxyglucose sulfate

(trade name),

chitosamine

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antirheumatics
Osteoarthritis.Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis.Glaucoma.

Action

May stop or slow osteoarthritis progression by stimulating cartilage and synovial tissue metabolism.

Therapeutic effects

Decreased pain and improved joint function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 0.9% absorbedDistribution: UnknownMetabolism and Excretion: 74% eliminated via first-pass metabolismHalf-life: Unknown

Time/action profile

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Shellfish allergy (glucosamine is often derived from marine exoskeletons)Pregnancy and lactation.Use Cautiously in: Diabetes (may worsen glycemic control)Asthma (may exacerbate symptoms)Surgery (may affect blood glucose levels, discontinue glucosamine 2 weeks before elective procedures)

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

  • nausea
  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

Central nervous system

  • headache
  • drowsiness

Dermatologic

  • skin reactions

Endocrinologic

  • hyperglycemia

Interactions

May antagonize the effects of antidiabetics May induce resistance to some chemotherapy drugs such as etoposide, teniposide, and doxorubicin May increase anticoagulant effects of warfarin None known.Oral (Adults) 500 mg three times dailyTopical (Adults) use cream as needed for up to 8 weeks

Availability

Tablets: 500 mgOTCCapsules: 500 mgOTCTopical cream: 30 mg/g in combination with other ingredientsOTC

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess for shellfish allergy prior to initiating therapy.
  • Monitor pain (type, location, and intensity) and range of motion periodically during therapy.
  • Assess bowel function periodically during therapy. Constipation may be reduced by increased fluid intake and bulk in diet; bulk laxatives may be added if necessary.
  • Lab Test Considerations: Monitor serum glucose levels periodically during therapy for patients with diabetes.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Chronic pain (Indications)
Impaired physical mobility (Indications)

Implementation

  • Administer prior to meals.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patients that the effects of this drug come from stimulating cartilage and synovial tissue metabolism and that the supplement must be taken on a regular basis to achieve benefit. It should not be used as an intermittent pain medication.
  • Caution patients with a shellfish allergy that this herbal supplement should not be used.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if gastric discomfort develops and persists.
  • Advise diabetic patients to monitor glucose values closely during initial therapy.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Improvement in pain and range of motion.

chi·to·sa·mine

(kī-tō'să-mēn), d-Glucosamine. See: glucosamine.