Salofalk: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is Salofalk?

Salofalk is a drug used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

This medication is used to help reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

Salofalk is a drug that belongs to the aminosalicylic class and contains mesalamine. This medication works by reducing swelling or inflammation in the colon and other symptoms.

Salofalk is only used based on your doctor's prescription and recommendation.

How to use Salofalk?

Here are various ways to use Salofalk according to the preparation:

Tablets or capsules

For capsules or tablets, drink it with a glass of water one hour before meals.

For medicine in capsule form, you can take it with or without food. However, if it is a tablet you can take it together with food to neutralize the bitter taste.

Swallow the medicine right away, do not crush or chew it. Destroying it can prevent the drug from reaching the maximum amount of time in the large intestine.

If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, you can open them and sprinkle the contents on the yogurt for example before consumption. Then, swallow the mixture without chewing it first.

Enema

To use a medicine in the form of an enema, here's how:

1. First of all, remove the bottle from the bag foil protector. Be careful when removing it not to squeeze or poke it
2. Then, shake the bottle to make sure that the medicine is evenly mixed
3. Remove the protective cap from the tip of the applicator while holding the neck of the bottle so that no medicine is spilled
4. Lie on your side with your legs straight and your right knee bent forward
5. You can also lie down with your knees on your chest
6. Carefully insert the tip of the enema applicator into the rectum
7. Press the vial gently so that it flows into the rectum
8. When enough, pull and fruit the bottle
9. Stay in the same position for about 30 minutes so that the medicine can flow to the areas where it should be

Suppository

Suppositories can be used by:

1. Wash your hands with soap and dry with a clean towel
2. Hold the suppository in an upright or upright condition and carefully remove the wrapper
3. Before inserting suppositories, it's best to urinate and defecate first
4. Insert the suppository rectally (pointed end first) slowly into the rectum with gentle pressure
5. To make the suppository easier, use a lubricant
6. Wash your hands with soap afterward

This medication will usually stain your underwear or bed sheets. To protect it, use a bandage or cushion on the sheet.

The medicine should remain in the body for 1 to 3 hours or more depending on the advice of your doctor. Try not to urinate or defecate while the medicine is still in.

Whatever type is used, be sure to use it regularly according to the recipe given. Even if you feel better, don't stop using the drug.

Ask your doctor if you are confused about how to use it, especially enemas and suppositories.

How to save Salofalk?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze.

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

What is the dosage of Salofalk for adults?

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In adults with acute ulcerative colitis, the total dose given is usually 150 to 300 mg. This dose is usually divided into 3 times a day.

Meanwhile, for acute Crohn's disease, the dose given is around 150 to 450 mg. The dosage is also divided into three times a day.

For treatment, the total dose given is 500 mg, divided into 3 times a day. Meanwhile, for medicinal suppositories given twice a day and enema once a day before going to bed.

What is the dosage of Salofalk for children?

For children, the dosage needs to be based on the doctor's recommendation with various considerations.

In what preparations is Salofalk available?

Tablets, capsules, suppositories and enemas are types of salofalk preparations.

Side effects

What side effects can occur after consuming Salofalk?

Salofalk is a medicine for inflammation of the intestines that can cause side effects, as well as other medicines:

• Stomach pain or stomach cramps
• The stomach feels bloated
• The presence of excess gas in the stomach or intestines
• Mild headaches

Meanwhile, other less common but possible side effects include:

• Severe stomach pain
• Restless
• Severe back pain
• Bloody and dark stool
• Blue or pale skin
• Chest pain that radiates to the left arm, neck, or shoulder
• Chills
• Severe diarrhea
• Fast heart rate
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Feeling weak and tired

Some of the side effects that arise usually do not require medical intervention. These effects generally disappear during treatment because the body can adapt to the drug.

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & warnings

What should be considered before using Salofalk?

Salofalk should only be consumed by people who have good kidney conditions. If you have kidney problems, this drug should only be taken after your doctor has given your approval. In addition, salofalk cannot be used carelessly in the elderly.

Some other things you need to know before using Salofalk:

• Tell your doctor about your medical history especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach obstruction, and skin problems (atopic dermatitis).
• This drug is similar to aspirin, therefore it is necessary to pay attention to its use by children because it can cause Reye's syndrome

This medication may also interfere with certain laboratory tests including urine normetanephrine levels and may cause false test results. For that, make sure laboratory personnel and all doctors know that you are using this drug.

Usually the doctor will perform periodic kidney or urine tests while you are using this medicine. The goal is to monitor kidney function and possible side effects.

Is Salofalk safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There has not been adequate research 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 medicine is considered a pregnancy risk category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in Indonesia.

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

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

In experiments conducted on mice, no adverse effects appeared in both fertility, reproduction, and breastfeeding. Therefore, salofalk is a drug that falls into category B.

However, pregnant and lactating women still need to be careful when taking salofalk. This means that drugs should only be consumed according to a doctor's recommendation. Medicines should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.

However, if the baby experiences diarrhea after being breastfed while the mother is taking salofalk, consult a doctor immediately.

Drug interactions

What medicines may interact with Salofalk?

Salofalk or mesalamine is very similar to balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Therefore, using these drugs at the same time can double the dose.

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. However, not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription or non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of Salofalk without your doctor's approval because it could be dangerous for your condition.

Can food or alcohol interact with salofalk?

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 doctor.

What health conditions can interact with Salofalk?

Certain health conditions can affect drug use. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any health problems such as:

• Allergy to salicylates eg aspirin
• Allergy to saturated vegetable fats
• Moderate or have had kidney disease
• Have liver disease
• Moderate or have had myocarditis
• Moderate or have had pericarditis
• Have a blockage in the stomach

Ask your doctor if there are alternative medicines that you can take so that you don't interact with your health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or rush to the nearest hospital. Do not delay the condition, especially if someone is already unconscious.

Overdose is a condition that is very likely to occur if you do not comply with the rules for taking salofalk from your doctor.

Generally, this emergency condition is characterized by various symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Ringing in ears
• Dazed
• Breath is fast and shallow
• Seizures

Make sure not to abuse the drug so that this condition does not occur.

What if I forget my medication schedule?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Salofalk is a drug that should not be taken at the same time in double doses.

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