Contents

Crystalline glucosamine sulphate.

Description

Each 500-mg capsule contains crystalline glucosamine sulfate 628 mg equivalent to glucosamine sulfate 500 mg. Each sachet (powder for oral solution to be dissolved in water) contains crystalline glucosamine sulfate 1884 mg equivalent to glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg.

Indications/Uses

Treatment of osteoarthritis eg, pain and function limitation.

Dosage/Direction for Use

Capsule: One 500-mg cap taken 3 times daily.
Sachet: 1 sachet dissolved in a glass of water once daily.
Viartril-S is preferably taken at meals.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to glucosamine. As the active ingredient is obtained from seafood (shellfish), Viartril-S should not be given to patients who are allergic to shellfish. The powder for oral solution contains aspartame and is therefore contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria.

Special Precautions

Patients with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency should be monitored while on Viartril-S. Viartril-S contains sodium 151 mg/daily dose to be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

Side Effects

The clinical trials have shown the good tolerability of Viartril-S. Undesirable effects have been observed in a low proportion of patients. They were transient, of minor entity and included: Cardiovascular: Peripheral oedema, tachycardia were reported in a few patients following larger clinical trials investigating oral administration in osteoarthritis. Causal relationship has not been established.
Central Nervous System: Drowsiness, headache, somnolence, insomnia have been observed rarely during therapy.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia or epigastric pain, flatulence, constipation, heartburn and anorexia have been described rarely during oral therapy with glucosamine.
Skin: Skin reactions eg, cutaneous rash, erythema, pruritus, have been reported with therapeutic administration of glucosamine. Occasionally, contact dermatitis, papular rash, urticaria and eczema may occur.
Isolated cases of hair loss, allergic reactions, visual disturbances and oedema were observed.

Drug Interactions

Increased effect of coumarinic anticoagulants. Enhanced GI absorption of tetracyclines.

MIMS Class

Other Drugs Acting on Musculo-Skeletal System

ATC Classification

M01AX05 - glucosamine ; Belongs to the class of other non-steroidal antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products.

Regulatory Classification

NP

Presentation/Packing

Cap 500 mg x 90's. Powd for oral soln (sachet) 1,500 mg x 30's.