CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Glucosamine – Chondroitin
Medication: Glucosamine – Chondroitin
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin as a joint supplement in the management of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis).
Key points:
• Nutraceutical.
• Dosage: orally daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Glucosamine hydrochloride.
- Chondroitin sulfate.
Brand name
- Cosequin® (Glucosamine, US).
Class of drug
- Nutraceutical.
- Chondroitin: glycosaminoglycan.
- Glucosamine: amino acid; chondroprotective agent. Has mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Storage
- Store in a dry place <25°C in a tightly closed container.
Why has my cat been prescribed glucosamine – chondroitin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed the nutritional supplements glucosamine-chondroitin for the management of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). Glucosamine-chondroitin may also be helpful in cats with lower urinary tract disease.
How is the medication given?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are given orally as tablets or as capsules, chewable tablets, and/or soft chews when combined with other nutraceuticals. A liquid form may be given by oral dosing syringe.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Soft stools and increased intestinal gas have been reported in cats while taking chondroitin. Some products contain high amounts of potassium and should not be used in cats on potassium-restricted diets. Glucosamine has been shown to exacerbate asthma in humans and should be used with caution in cats with asthma.
Drug interactions
Anticoagulants
With long-term use of chondroitin, care should be taken if also taken with drugs which inhibit platelet function.
Antidiabetic agents
Glucosamine may disrupt glycemic control by these agents.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
A clinical effect may be seen after 4-6 weeks. Once improvement is seen, the dose can be lowered to a maintenance dose.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused glucosamine – chondroitin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose. If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Glucosamine – chondroitin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for.
Keep out of reach of children – if accidentally eaten, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on glucosamine – chondroitin?
No specific tests are required.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on glucosamine – chondroitin can be found on the package insert and the following website:
US
- Nutramax Cosequin® Joint Health Supplements. Website: www.cosequin.com
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.