Study: Glucosamine Boosts Pain Relieving Power of Ibuprofen

Glucosamine boosts the pain relieving power of ibuprofen, according to a study reported in the November issue of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

This new drug combination could one day allow patients to take a lower dose of ibuprofen and get the same pain relief with fewer unwanted side effects, according to researchers at Temple University.

Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is so effective in relieving pain that people sometimes take higher doses in hope of more pain relief. High doses of NSAIDs, especially when taken over long periods of time, can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as heartburn, or even bleeding, according to the researchers.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, which is also available in synthetic form over the counter to treat osteoarthritis. While it has been shown to prevent and repair bone and cartilage damage, researchers have yet to demonstrate that glucosamine actually blocks pain.

The Temple researchers combined glucosamine with a variety of NSAIDs. They found that glucosamine alone does not block pain, but enhances pain relief when combined with ibuprofen.

"The next step will be to study this drug combination in clinical trials to see whether it can enhance pain relief or offer pain relief using a lower dose of ibuprofen and therefore a lower risk of side effects," said researcher Alan Cowan, of Temple's School of Medicine.

Other sources: Temple University