DR 4 Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe diarrhea with dehydration
- Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Decreased urine output
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is oa plus tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of Diacerein 50 mg and Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride 500 mg used to treat osteoarthritis. It works by reducing cartilage breakdown and supporting cartilage repair. It is taken orally with food, usually once or twice daily, and may take several weeks to show full effect.
- Generic Name: Diacerein (50mg) + Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride (500mg)
- Manufacturer: Solitaire Pharmacia Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 oa plus tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डायसेरिन 50 मिलीग्राम और ग्लूकोसामाइन सल्फेट पोटैशियम क्लोराइड 500 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग घुटने, कूल्हे और हाथ के ऑस्टियोआर्थराइटिस (जोड़ों की घिसाई) के इलाज में किया जाता है। यह जोड़ों के दर्द, अकड़न और सूजन को कम करने में मदद करती है। यह दवा कार्टिलेज (उपास्थि) को टूटने से बचाती है और उसकी मरम्मत में सहायता करती है। इसका असर तुरंत नहीं होता, बल्कि 2 से 4 सप्ताह में दिखने लगता है। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में दस्त, पेट दर्द, जी मिचलाना, और पेशाब का रंग पीला होना शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ हफ्तों में ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी त्वचा पर चकत्ते, खुजली, या सिरदर्द हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको लगातार दस्त, आंखों या त्वचा का पीला पड़ना, गहरे रंग का पेशाब, या पेट में तेज दर्द हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे भोजन के साथ लें ताकि पेट की परेशानी कम हो। गोली को पानी के साथ पूरा निगलें, चबाएं नहीं। शराब का सेवन न करें क्योंकि इससे पेट में ब्लीडिंग और लिवर की समस्या हो सकती है। अगर आपको लिवर या किडनी की बीमारी है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। अन्य दवाओं के साथ लेने से पहले डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। दवा को बच्चों से दूर रखें।
💊 oa plus tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Knee osteoarthritis","description":"Reduces pain, improves joint function, and may slow cartilage degradation in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hip osteoarthritis","description":"Helps alleviate pain and stiffness in hip osteoarthritis, improving mobility over several weeks of treatment.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Hand osteoarthritis","description":"May reduce pain and improve hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis, though evidence is less robust.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"General joint pain and stiffness","description":"Sometimes used for chronic joint pain and stiffness associated with degenerative joint disease.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Low back pain","description":"Occasionally prescribed off-label for chronic low back pain with degenerative changes, but evidence is insufficient.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Temporomandibular joint disorders","description":"Rarely used off-label for TMJ pain and dysfunction, but no robust clinical trials support this use.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]
Primary treatment for: Osteoarthritis
Also treats: Knee osteoarthritis, Hip osteoarthritis, Hand osteoarthritis, Degenerative joint disease
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Diacerein (50mg) + Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride (500mg) |
| Brand Name | oa plus tablet |
| Manufacturer | Solitaire Pharmacia Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | PAIN ANALGESICS |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in the original container tightly closed. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary mechanisms. Diacerein is a slow-acting anti-osteoarthritic drug that inhibits the activity of interleukin-1 beta, a cytokine that promotes cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. By blocking IL-1 beta, diacerein reduces the production of matrix metalloproteinases and nitric oxide, thereby protecting cartilage and reducing pain. Glucosamine sulfate provides a substrate for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are essential components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. It may also stimulate chondrocyte metabolism and have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they help maintain cartilage integrity, reduce joint inflammation, and improve joint function over time.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take oa plus tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains Diacerein 50 mg and Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride 500 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally once or twice daily, preferably with meals. The exact dose and frequency must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of symptoms, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to treatment. Do not self-adjust the dose. Take the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew. Consistent daily use is important for optimal benefit. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients (above 65 years) may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, particularly gastrointestinal and renal effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal and hepatic function. Regular monitoring is advised. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be necessary in patients with severe liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function is recommended. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg of diacerein and 1000 mg of glucosamine sulfate, but the exact maximum must be determined by a qualified clinician based on individual patient factors. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of oa plus tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Ibuprofen | Major | |
| Diclofenac | Major | |
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Insulin | Moderate | |
| Metformin | Moderate | |
| Furosemide | Moderate | |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Iron supplements | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Warfarin
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac)
- Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., methotrexate, isoniazid)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antidiabetic drugs (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas)
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
- Chemotherapy agents (e.g., doxorubicin)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and liver toxicity. It may also worsen diarrhea and dehydration. If you consume alcohol regularly, discuss with your doctor before starting this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to diacerein, glucosamine sulfate, or any component of the formulation.","Active peptic ulcer or history of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.","Severe liver disease or unexplained persistent elevation of liver enzymes.","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.","Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.","Monitor liver function regularly, especially with long-term use.","Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May increase blood glucose; monitor closely in diabetic patients.","May increase blood pressure; monitor in hypertensive patients.","Discontinue if severe diarrhea or signs of liver injury occur.","Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or NSAIDs.","Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether diacerein and glucosamine sulfate pass into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, this medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or reduced urine output.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, preferably with meals to reduce stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Never double the dose. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, peptic ulcer, or bleeding disorders. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners, NSAIDs, and diabetes drugs. Do not start or stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients above 65 years may be more susceptible to the gastrointestinal and renal side effects of this medicine. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on kidney and liver function. Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function is advised. Falls risk may increase if dizziness occurs. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing and monitoring.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant. If you are trying to conceive, consult your doctor to discuss alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. Do not start or continue this medicine without medical advice if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are undergoing surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery due to potential effects on bleeding and liver function. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding when to resume.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There is no specific contraindication, but if you are taking blood thinners concurrently, extra caution is needed. Your dentist may consult your doctor if necessary.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While taking this medicine, you can continue with low-impact exercises as advised by your doctor. Avoid high-impact activities that strain your joints, such as running or jumping, especially during flare-ups. If you experience increased pain or swelling after exercise, rest and consult your doctor. Physical therapy can be beneficial but should be tailored to your condition.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Otherwise, it generally does not interfere with daily activities. Take it with food to minimize stomach upset that could affect your workday.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects such as persistent diarrhea, signs of liver injury (yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine), or allergic reactions, stop the medicine and seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch to an alternative treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may require regular monitoring of liver and kidney function. Some patients may experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Diacerein has been associated with rare cases of liver enzyme elevation. Glucosamine may affect blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Periodic blood tests are advised to ensure safety. Do not use for longer than recommended without medical supervision.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can complement medicine for chronic pain and improve joint function.
Evidence: Well-establishedReduces stress on weight-bearing joints and improves osteoarthritis symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay provide pain relief in some patients with osteoarthritis.
Evidence: ModerateCan be used for localized pain relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking. No specific timing adjustments are required.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If crossing time zones, continue taking the medicine at your usual times, but consult your doctor if you need to adjust the schedule. Keep enough supply for your entire trip. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines in your destination country.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine typically starts showing noticeable improvement in joint pain and stiffness after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use. Maximum benefits may take 6 to 8 weeks.
A: Yes, it is best taken with food or immediately after a meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset and diarrhea.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
A: Do not take NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac without consulting your doctor, as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for oa plus tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
orthopro tabletApa Pharmaceuticals ₹158.44 12.7% COSTLIER
-
yocoflex gm 50mg/500mg/50mg tabletSmayan Healthcare Pvt Ltd ₹180.00 28.1% COSTLIER
-
mdg tabletPositif Life sciences ₹189.00 34.5% COSTLIER
-
dr 4 tabletMicro 2 Mega Healthcare Pvt Ltd ₹239.06 70.1% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine provides immediate pain relief.
Fact: This medicine is a slow-acting drug and may take 2-4 weeks to show noticeable improvement. - Myth: This medicine can cure osteoarthritis completely.
Fact: This medicine helps manage symptoms and may slow progression but does not cure osteoarthritis. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take without a prescription.
Fact: This medicine is a prescription drug and should only be taken under medical supervision. - Myth: This medicine can be taken with alcohol without any risk.
Fact: Alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding and liver toxicity. Avoid alcohol.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Diacerein 50 mg + Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride 500 mg tablet