BALSALAZIDE (Balsalazide Capsule)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colazal

GENERIC NAME(S): BALSALAZIDE DISODIUM

Description: Balsalazide affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage and diarrhea. It is possible that 5-ASA (aminosalicylic acid) inhibits the action of cyclooxgenase and leukotriene synthesis, thus diminishing the formation of inflammatory metabolites in the colon via these two pathways.

Uses

Indications

Balsalazide is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Balsalazide belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates.

Contraindications

Should not be given to patients with known hypersensitivity reactions from the drug.

How to use balsalazide

Dosage: Adult and pediatric patients- 750 mg capsules three times a day for 8 weeks

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you may open them and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce.

Warnings

Side Effects

Common side effects:

headache
nausea
vomiting
joint pain
diarrhea
abdominal pain
fever
sore throat
trouble sleeping
loss of appetite

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

change in the amount of urine
yellowing eyes/skin
dark urine
unusual/extreme tiredness
severe stomach/abdominal pain
persistent nausea/vomiting
burning/painful urination
fast/pounding heartbeat

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy: Before taking balsalazide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as mesalamine, olsalazine); or to salicylates (e.g., aspirin, salsalate); or to sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: a certain stomach/intestinal condition (e.g., pyloric stenosis), liver disease, kidney disease.
This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (such as heart failure).

Pregnancy Risk: Category B. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Balsalazide is very similar to mesalamine. Do not use mesalamine medications taken by mouth while using balsalazide.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.