Viartril-S (Glucosamine Sulfate): Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Dosage & Safety
What is Viartril-S (glucosamine sulfate)? How does it help manage osteoarthritis and joint disorders? What critical precautions should patients know? Explore this detailed guide to safely optimize your treatment with Viartril-S!
Key Takeaways
- Viartril-S improves joint mobility in 78% of mild-moderate osteoarthritis cases (NIH, 2022)
- Requires 2-3 months continuous use for optimal cartilage protection
- Contains shellfish derivatives - critical for allergy sufferers
1. What is Viartril-S?
Viartril-S contains glucosamine sulfate, available in:
| Form | Strength | Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules | 250mg | 2 capsules x 3/day |
| Powder | 1.5g | 1 sachet/day |
Classified as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD), it stimulates cartilage repair according to NIH research.
>> Related: Hoang Thong Phong vs Viartril-S: Gout Treatment Comparison
2. Therapeutic Benefits
Viartril-S is clinically proven for:
- Knee osteoarthritis (50% pain reduction in 6 weeks)
- Spinal degenerative joint disease
- Post-traumatic joint inflammation
- Co-therapy for osteoporosis
Mechanism of Action
Enhances proteoglycan synthesis by 32% while inhibiting cartilage-degrading enzymes (MMP-3, MMP-13).
3. Contraindications
Avoid Viartril-S if you have:
| Condition | Reason |
|---|---|
| Shellfish allergy | Derived from crustacean exoskeletons |
| Phenylketonuria | Contains aspartame in powder form |
| Galactose intolerance | Capsules contain lactose |
4. Dosage Guidelines
4.1 Optimal Administration
- Adults: 1500mg daily for minimum 12 weeks
- Elderly: Reduce by 25% if renal impairment exists
4.2 Synergistic Combinations
Enhance efficacy with:
- Chondroitin 1200mg/day
- Vitamin D3 2000IU/day
- Omega-3 (EPA 180mg + DHA 120mg)
5. Adverse Effects
Reported side effects (n=1,200 patients):
| Frequency | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common (15%) | Epigastric pain, flatulence |
| Rare (3%) | Pruritus, headache |
| Severe (0.5%) | Angioedema, tachycardia |
Manage gastrointestinal effects by taking with food if approved by your doctor.
7. Critical Precautions
- Monitor HbA1c quarterly in diabetics - may increase insulin resistance
- Avoid with warfarin - increases INR by 25% in 12% of users
- Contraindicated in kidney failure patients (eGFR <>
8. Special Populations
8.1 Pregnancy & Lactation
Category C risk - animal studies show fetal skeletal abnormalities at 5x human dose.
8.2 Renal Impairment
Dose adjustment required:
| eGFR | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 30-60 | 50% dose reduction |
| <> | Contraindicated |
Pharmacist Recommendation: Combine with low-impact exercises (swimming, cycling) to enhance cartilage regeneration by 40%.
Author: Nguyen Hoang Bao Duy, Clinical Pharmacist specializing in musculoskeletal therapeutics since 2015.