ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of osteoarthritis. MethodsA total of 150 patients with osteoarthritis treated between April 2014 and April 2015 were randomly divided into control group and trial group with 75 in each. Patients in the trial group accepted oral glucosamine hydrochloride, while those in the control group were given diclofenac sodium. Lequesne index, total effective rate and the incidence of adverse reactions of both groups were calculated before and 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment, and 2 weeks after drug withdrawal. ResultsIn both groups, Lequesne index started to decrease after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05), and reached the minimum value at treatment week eight (P<0.05). The Lequesne index 2 weeks after drug withdrawal was still obviously lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in the total effective rate at treatment week eight (83.1% for the control group and 80.9% for the trial group) or the total effective rate 2 weeks after drug withdrawal (80.0% for the control group and 79.4% for the trial group) between the control group and the trial group (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions of the trial group (6.7%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (21.3%) (P<0.05). ConclusionGlucosamine hydrochloride is effective and safe in the treatment of osteoarthritis, which is suitable for long-term treatment.