Balsalazide

Drug Status in USA : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (bal sal' a zide)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Balsalazide is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon

  • large intestine
and rectum). Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is converted in the body to mesalamine and works by reducing bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.


How should this medicine be used?

Balsalazide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take balsalazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Balsalazide is usually taken for 8 weeks, but it may be taken for up to 12 weeks. Continue to take balsalazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking balsalazide without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking balsalazide,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to balsalazide, aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate), choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Nuprin Backache, Mobidin, Extra Strength Doan's, others), mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa), salsalate (Argesic-AS, Disalcid, others), sodium salicylate, sodium thiosalicylate (Rexolate), sulfasalzine (Azulfidine), or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially oral antibiotics and vitamins and herbal products.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease or pyloric stenosis (a condition in which the stomach empties slowly).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking balsalazide, call your doctor.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Side effects from balsalazide can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • joint pain
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • tiredness
  • gas
  • runny nose
  • muscle or back pain
  • coughing
  • loss of appetite
  • urinary tract infection
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • dark urine
  • bloating or swelling of the stomach
  • increased diarrhea
  • rectal bleeding
  • fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
  • Aminosalicylic Acid and Similar Agents
  • Intestinal Antiinflammatory Agents
  • Antidiarrheals, Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory
  • antiinfective Agents
  • Aminosalicylic acid and similar agents
Prescribed For the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
Weight :357.3175
Structure Balsalazide
Generic Drug Balsalazide prescribed For the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
Formula

C17H15N3O6

Balsalazide has 4 Brands listed


Balacol (750 mg)Colorex (750 mg)
Cozabal (750 mg)Intazide (750 mg)

Search Generic Drugs alphabetically