The Consequences of Mixing Glucosamine with Other Drugs

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

Glucosamine is becoming one of the high rollers in the battle against arthritis. Its organic nature and lack of side effects are making it the preferred treatment by many physicians in treating the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that is generally considered safe for use on its own. Unfortunately, since osteoarthritis is a chronic condition many of its sufferers are senior citizens who also suffer from various other health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiac conditions, which require them to take a great deal of medication on a daily basis.

It is therefore important that any patient who is taking glucosamine be sure that it will not interfere with any other medications which they may currently be taking. The most common drugs taken in conjunction with glucosamine are the over the counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Since they work in much the same manner as glucosamine in battling the inflammatory process the two compliment and enhance each other; this may result in the need to either reduce the dose of the NSAID or stop its use altogether. It is important that the dosage of these drugs not be altered without a doctor’s input, as the consequences of over or under dosing could be unpleasant, at the least.

There are many drugs whose functions are impeded by glucosamine, requiring that their doses be increased. Examples of these drugs are:

Amiloride Hydrochloride – A diuretic used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions without removing the body’s potassium stores.

Bumetanide – A diuretic administered either orally or by injection

Chlorothiazide – Combines reserpine with a water pill to treat high blood pressure

Chlorthalidone – A combination beta blocker and diuretic used to treat high blood pressure.

Ethacrynic Acid (Ethacrynate) – A diuretic.

Furosemide – A diuretic which can be administered orally or by injection.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – A vasodilator used to treat high blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide / Triamterene – A diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure.

Indapamide – A diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

Metolazone – A diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or other conditions resulting from excessive salt retention.

Spironolactone – A diuretic used to remove excess water without depleting the body’s potassium stores. It is often used to treat high blood pressure or cardiac conditions such as congetive heart failure.

Spironolactone / Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – A diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and water retention.

Torsemide – A diuretic often used to treat high blood pressure.

Triamterene – A combined diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and water retention.
Note that many of the medications affected by glucosamine are diuretics. Aside from these it is very uncommon for glucosamine to react with other medications; however, should anyone taking glucosamine in conjunction with other medications begin to notice any negative side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, hives or headache, they should contact their physician immediately.

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