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Chondroitin Sulfate (CDS, condroitin, GAG, galactosaminoglucuronoglycan): Dosing and Uses

 

Classes: Analgesics, Herbals; Cardiovascular, Herbals

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Suggested dosing of CDS, condroitin (chondroitin sulfate)

 

Osteoarthritis

200-400 mg PO BID-TID, Or

1000-1200 mg PO qd

Also used in combo with glucosamine

 

MI, recurrent prophylaxis

Initial: 10 g PO div TID x 3 months THEn

Maintenance: 500 mg PO TId

 

Suggested uses of CDS, condroitin (chondroitin sulfate)

Osteoarthritis, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis

 

Efficacy

A compilation of the studies indicates patients with OA of the knee can experience some benefit from taking chondroitin; however, pain relief is likely to be modest or possibly insignificant.

MI: Some preliminary evidence indicates a possible lower risk of MI or recurrent risk of MI. More studies are needed

 

CDS, condroitin (chondroitin sulfate) adverse (side) effects

Allergic reactions, alopecia, constipation, diarrhea, edema, (eyelid/lower limb), epigastric pain, extrasystoles, nausea

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Anticoagulated (IM use), clotting disorders (IM use)

 

Cautions

Asthma

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of CDS, condroitin (chondroitin sulfate)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Cartilage derivative; component of hyaline cartilage matrix that may repair cartilage & reduce synovial inflammation