| Common Brands | Colazal |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
5-ASA (5-Aminosalicylate) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Balsalazide is a drug primarily used for managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It belongs to a group of drugs called an aminosalicylate drugs and functions by inhibiting colonic and rectal inflammation – often caused by IBD-associated conditions. Ulcerative colitis is a medical condition in which there is inflammatory disease in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. This presents symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding in a patient.
Balsalazide usually comes in the form of oral capsules or tablets and will be used for long-term management for the controlling of inflammation, induction into remission, and maintenance in remission of patients afflicted with ulcerative colitis. It is usually given when conventional therapy such as corticosteroids fails to provide adequate disease control or for the continued maintenance of remission of an acute flare-up.
Balsalazide is usually provided in the form of oral capsules or tablets, which need to be taken with food. The dosing and frequency is dependent on the age of the patient, the severity of disease, and the goals for treatment.
For Active Ulcerative Colitis: For adults, the usual dose is 3.75 grams per day administered in two or three divided doses.
For Maintenance Therapy: After the acute inflammation is controlled, the dose can be reduced to 2.25 grams per day for maintaining remission.
Balsalazide should be taken with a full glass of water. The tablets or capsules must not be crushed or chewed. It is important to follow the prescribed regimen strictly because skipping doses or discontinuing the medication prematurely may lead to flare-ups of the disease.
The active form of balsalazide is mesalamine, which is an anti-inflammatory drug, working by inhibiting the synthesis of some chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. In general, mesalamine acts by inhibiting the processes such as:
Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX): Mesalamine inhibits cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins, chemicals which induce inflammation.
Inhibition of Lipoxygenase (LOX): It also inhibits the production of leukotrienes, another family of inflammatory mediators.
Scavenging of Free Radicals: Mesalamine neutralizes free radicals that are responsible for tissue damage and inflammation in the colon.
Immune Modulation: Mesalamine can modulate the immune cells in the lining of the intestine, decreasing the activity of the immune responses that cause inflammation in the gut.
By blocking these key inflammatory pathways, balsalazide alleviates symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding and promotes healing of the intestinal lining.
All medications have the potential to cause side effects. However not everyone may develop one. Among the known adverse effects for balsalazide are;
Headache: Some people may have a headache due to taking balsalazide.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a possible side effect, which may be similar to the symptoms of the condition being treated.
Abdominal Pain or Cramping: Some patients may experience stomach discomfort, bloating, or cramping.
Nausea or Vomiting: Although rare, some individuals may feel nauseous or even vomit after taking the medication.
Fatigue: Some users may feel unusually tired or weak while on balsalazide.
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, including:
Liver Damage: There may also be liver damage such as yellowing of the skin or the eyes, or dark urine but this is not typical.
Kidney Damage: Kidney damage, including loss of renal function, may occur in some patients especially those that have pre-existing kidney impairment.
Warnings and Precautions prior to taking balsalazide
Liver and Kidney Function: Patients with a history of liver or kidney disease should exercise extreme caution when using balsalazide, as it may impair the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Liver and kidney functions should be monitored frequently.
Allergic Reactions: A patient who is known to be allergic to salicylates (for example, aspirin) should avoid balsalazide since it is related to salicylates and may cause allergic reactions.
Blood Disorders: Balsalazide can cause blood disorders like low white blood cell count or thrombocytopenia, so the patients might need periodic blood tests during the treatment process.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Balsalazide should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, since the safety of the drug in pregnant women has not been established. It is not known whether balsalazide passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their physician before using this drug.
Anticoagulants: Combining Balsalazide with blood thinners (like warfarin) may increase the risk of bleeding, so regular monitoring of blood clotting is recommended.
Other Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Using Balsalazide alongside other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as ulcers or bleeding.
Immunosuppressive Medications: When used with immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine, it may raise the risk of infections or other immune system-related side effects.
Salicylates: Combining Balsalazide with other salicylate-containing medications can increase the likelihood of salicylate toxicity, causing symptoms like ringing in the ears or gastrointestinal issues.
The dosage of balsalazide depends on the severity of the disease, age, and response to treatment:
For Active Ulcerative Colitis: The conventional dose is 3.75 grams per day (in two or three divided doses) and may be titrated depending on the patient’s response to the drug.
For Maintenance Therapy: The dose may be tapered to 2.25 grams per day after achieving remission.
The drug should be administered exactly as directed, and dosage must not be changed without consulting a health care provider.
Balsalazide is a prescription-only drug, and only a doctor can prescribe it. A doctor will evaluate the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health before prescribing balsalazide. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage strictly and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring the effectiveness of the medication and checking for potential side effects.
What is Balsalazide?
Balsalazide is a prescription medication used to treat ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
How does Balsalazide work?
Balsalazide works by reducing inflammation in the colon through its active ingredient, which acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the common brand names for Balsalazide?
Balsalazide is marketed under the brand name Colazal.
What forms does Balsalazide come in?
Balsalazide is available as capsules and granules for oral use.
What is the typical dosage for Balsalazide?
The usual dosage is 3.3 grams per day, taken in divided doses, but it’s important to follow the prescribing physician’s instructions.
Can Balsalazide be used in children?
Balsalazide is approved for use in children aged 5 years and older for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
What are the common side effects of Balsalazide?
Common side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Are there any serious side effects associated with Balsalazide?
Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and kidney problems. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
Is Balsalazide safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals?
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits before using Balsalazide.
How long does it take for Balsalazide to work?
Many patients may start to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Can I take Balsalazide with other medications?
Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking, as some combinations may not be advisable.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Balsalazide?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up.
How should Balsalazide be stored?
Balsalazide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and kept out of reach of children.
Does Balsalazide interact with alcohol?
While no specific interactions between Balsalazide and alcohol are documented, it’s generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking any medication.
Can Balsalazide cause liver problems?
Although rare, patients should have their liver function monitored, particularly if they have a history of liver disease.
Is there a risk of developing cancer due to Balsalazide use?
Long-term use of some medications used for inflammatory bowel diseases, including Balsalazide, may carry a potential increased risk of certain types of cancer, so ongoing doctor consultations are important.
Can I stop taking Balsalazide suddenly?
Patients should not stop taking Balsalazide abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider, as this may exacerbate their symptoms.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
If you experience any concerning side effects, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and possible adjustments to your treatment.
Is Balsalazide available as a generic medication?
Yes, Balsalazide is available in generic forms, making it accessible to more patients.
Where can I get Balsalazide?
Balsalazide is available through pharmacies with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
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