Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet is a dietary supplement combining two natural substances found in cartilage. It is commonly used to support joint health in people with osteoarthritis and may help slow cartilage breakdown. This product is not FDA-approved for medical use, and its purity and strength can vary because supplements are not regulated like medications. Common side effects include mild stomach-related symptoms, and it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

What is Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions your joints. They are sold together as a dietary supplement that some people use for joint health. This product has not been approved by the FDA for medical use, and its purity and strength can vary because supplements are not regulated like medications.

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet uses

• Support joint health in people with osteoarthritis
• May help slow the breakdown of cartilage in the joints

Benefits of Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet

• May reduce joint pain and swelling by supporting cartilage health
• Some studies suggest it may lower the need for other pain medicines, though results are mixed

How Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet works

The supplement may help maintain healthy cartilage, the tissue that cushions your joints, which could reduce pain and swelling. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet dosage

Take this supplement by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label or as directed by your care team. Take your medication at regular intervals and do not take it more often than directed. Talk to your care team before giving this to children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can; if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and do not double up. This supplement may take several weeks to show an effect.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsules
• Tablets

Side effects of Glucosamine + Chondroitin Tablet

Common

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Headache

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• Tell your care team if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant before taking this supplement.
• Tell your care team if you are breastfeeding before taking this supplement.
• Tell your care team if you have kidney disease before taking this supplement.
• Tell your care team if you have liver disease before taking this supplement.
• Tell your care team if you drink alcohol, as this may interact with your supplement.
• Stop use if allergic reactions, stomach upset, or unusual symptoms occur.
• Tell your care team if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach or intestinal problems before taking this supplement.
• Tell your care team if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to chondroitin, glucosamine, sulfonamides, other supplements, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• This supplement may affect blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should check with their care team before changing their diet or diabetes medication dose.
• Tell your care team you are taking this supplement before any medical or dental procedure, since you may need to stop taking it beforehand.
• This supplement may interact with the blood thinner warfarin, so check with your care team if you take it.
• People with a shellfish allergy should read labels carefully, since glucosamine is often made from shellfish; some products use cow, pig, fungal, or corn sources instead.

Storage

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or as directed on the package label
• Protect from moisture
• Throw away any unused supplement after the expiration date

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.
• If you think you have taken too much of this supplement, contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Turmeric (Curcumin) Supplements
• Omega-3 Fish Oil
• Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)