Olsalazine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is the drug Olsalazine for?

Olsalazine is a medication to treat an intestinal disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure ulcerative colitis, but it can reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding due to irritation or swelling of the colon or rectum.

Olsalazine is an anti-inflammatory salicylate drug. This drug is believed to work by inhibiting the production of certain natural substances (prostaglandins) that can cause pain and swelling.

This medicine can also be used to treat another type of intestinal disease called Chron's disease.

What are the rules for using Olsalazine?

Use this medication by mouth, usually 2 times a day at a distance of about 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Drink it with food or after meals to prevent stomach discomfort.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How do I store Olsalazine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Olsalazine for adults?

• Active ulcerative colitis dosage: 500 mg - 1 g orally per day, in 2 equal doses. Alternatively, doses of 500 mg up to 4 times daily have been used in serious cases.
• Dosage for maintenance ulcerative colitis: 500 mg orally 2 times a day.
• Dosage for Ankylosing Spondylitis: 500 mg 2 times daily for 1 week, increased by 500 mg weekly to a maximum of 1 g 3 times daily, for a total of 6 months.

What is the dosage of Olsalazine for children?

Olsalazine dosage for children 2 years and older: 30 mg / kg / day (maximum, 2 g / day), starting at 25% of the daily dose and increasing by 1 dose every third day to 4 doses per day.

In what dosage and preparation is Olsalazine available?

Olsalazine is available in the following dosages:

Capsule, oral: 250 mg

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Olsalazine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using olsalazine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following serious side effects:

• Worsening colitis (fever, stomach pain, cramps, bloody diarrhea)
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations
• Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, cloudy urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice.

Less serious side effects can include:

• Mild stomach discomfort
• Nausea, heartburn
• Skin rash, hives
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Urinating more often than usual.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Olsalazine?

Before using olsalazine,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olsalazine, aspirin or similar drugs, or any other medication.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications, with or without a prescription, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using olsalazine, call your doctor.
• Avoid unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Olsalazine can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Is Olsalazine safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Olsalazine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• Thiopurines (eazathioprine, mercaptopurine, thioguanine) because the risk of bone marrow poisoning can increase
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) or heparin because of the increased risk of side effects from olsalazine.

Can food or alcohol interact with Olsalazine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Olsalazine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially kidney disease. Use of olsalazine can cause further damage to the kidneys.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.