Generic Name: mesalamine (oral/ rectal) (me SAL a meen)
Brand Names: Asacol, Canasa, FIV-ASA, Pentasa, Rowasa
Pentasa : Important Information
- Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passed through your stomach.
- Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in your stool.
What is Pentasa
- The exact way that pentasa medication works is unknown, but it is believed to reduce the actions of a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
- Used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.
What to Discuss Before Using Pentasa
- Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.
- This medication is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Pentasa Dosage Method
- Take mesalamine as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passed through your stomach.
- Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in your stool.
- Try to empty your bowel just before using a rectal form of this medication.
- Insert the suppositories rectally. Remove the foil wrapper and insert a suppository into the rectum, pointed end first. Avoid excessive handling of the suppository, because it is designed to melt at body temperature. Retain the suppository for one to three hours, or longer, if possible to get the maximum benefit from this medication.
- Shake the rectal suspension well before use. Remove the protective cap from the applicator tip. Hold the bottle at the neck to prevent any of the medication from spilling out. Gently insert the tip into the rectum, pointing toward the belly button (umbilicus). Squeeze the bottle steadily to discharge most of the medication. Retain the suspension overnight if possible to get the maximum benefit from this medication.
- Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension. These products may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble, granite, and other surfaces.
- The rectal suspension may darken slightly in color. Throw away any bottles that contain very dark brown liquid.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Pentasa Overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose include ringing in your ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, hyperventilation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Avoid During Treatment
- Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension. These products may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble, granite, and other surfaces.
- There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Pentasa Side Effects
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- worsening colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea)
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take this medication and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or belching
- headache or dizziness
- chills or sweating
- a rash
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- This medication is not known to interact with other medicines.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you take so that your therapies can be monitored for interactions.
Pentasa or Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat ulcerative colitis. Pentasa drug is also used to treat Crohn's disease. It is used for mild and moderate cases of these diseases.
Pentasa medication is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It does not cure ulcerative colitis permanently, but it may decrease symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling in the colon/rectum.
Pentasa works by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling. Store Pentasa at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Keep Pentasa drug away from children and pets. Pentasa capsules are available in strengths of 500mg and are to be taken orally in accordance to the dosage prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
