Special tip: The dosage for glucosamine is calculated on body weight: about 900 mg per 100 pounds of body weight. If you weigh more than 200 pounds or take diuretics, consult your doctor about an appropriate dosage, as you may have to take a higher daily dose of the drug than is commonly recommended.
--Glucosamine is often sold in combination formulas for arthritis with the dietary supplement chondroitin sulfate.
# For all types of arthritis and joint-related conditions: Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day.
# For sprains, strains, and back pain: Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day.
# To protect against aging-related ailments: Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate twice a day.
Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Glucosamine, which has therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.
Guidelines for Use
# Take glucosamine with food to minimize the risk of digestive upset.
# Allow two to eight weeks for results.
# When treating arthritis, consider boosting glucosamine's effectiveness by taking it along with one of the following oral supplements: chondroitin sulfate (another compound that may affect cartilage), niacinamide (a form of the B vitamin niacin), or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a form of the amino acid methionine. Glucosamine is also commonly combined with other anti-arthritis supplements such as boswellia (a tree extract), sea cucumber, and cayenne (or capsaicin) ointment.
# Glucosamine supplements can safely be combined with conventional pain relievers such as acetaminophen and aspirin.
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