Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage that is commonly used as a dietary supplement to support joint health. It is primarily used to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and other weight-bearing joints. Available over-the-counter in various forms including tablets, capsules, and topical preparations.
A supplement used to support joint health and manage osteoarthritis symptoms.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AX05
- RxNorm
- 4845
- Generic
- Glucosamine
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Cidaflex, Cosamin, Schiff, Optiflex-G, Novipet Joint Support, Osteo Bi-Flex, Novipet Magic Bites
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, limited human studies available
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
consult healthcare provider before use, consider discontinuing if pregnancy complications arise
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
discontinue use near term unless benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
generaluse with caution
avoid or discontinue breastfeeding during use, limited data on excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for any adverse effects
pediatric_age
age 0 2not recommended
do not use in infants and toddlers, safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
age 3 12use only under medical supervision
use only if prescribed by pediatrician, limited safety data in children
monitor growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
generalno adjustment typically required
standard dosing appropriate, monitor blood glucose levels regularly due to potential glucose metabolism effects
periodic blood sugar monitoring, renal function assessment
renal_impairment
mildmonitor renal function
use standard dosing with caution, periodic monitoring of renal function recommended
regular renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose or increase interval
use with caution, consider dose reduction, monitor renal function closely
frequent renal function monitoring, watch for accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment typically required
standard dosing appropriate for mild hepatic impairment
periodic liver function tests
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks, monitor liver function
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General usage timeline for glucosamine supplements
Regulatory classification
Regulatory classification information
Primary therapeutic use
Common therapeutic uses for glucosamine
Common forms
Available formulation types
Primarily used for symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis. May also be used for other degenerative joint conditions and general joint health support.
As a building block for cartilage, glucosamine is believed to help maintain joint cartilage integrity and support its repair. It may also help reduce inflammation in the joints, though its exact mechanism is not fully established.
Available without prescription as a dietary supplement. Generally well-tolerated but may cause mild gastrointestinal effects. May interact with blood thinners. Effectiveness varies among individuals. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy