Glucosamine combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinically common degenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people, with the knee joint being the most frequently affected. Pharmacological treatment is one of the main means of treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucosamine are common drugs for treatment of KOA. Clinically, the combination of glucosamine and NSAIDs is very common. However, there have been no review articles discussing the combination of glucosamine and NSAIDs for treatment of KOA. This paper summarizes the latest basic, clinical, and epidemiological studies on the combined use of the two drugs in the treatment of KOA. Based on the current research evidence, the combination of the two drugs in the treatment of KOA has significant short-term clinical effects, and long-term use can reduce the use of NSAIDs. However, the advantages and disadvantages should be considered comprehensively, and more reliable research results are needed to guide the clinical use of these drugs. Key words: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug; Osteoarthritis; Glucosamine