General Information

Olsalazine Sodium is for the treatment of a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis (UC). This drug does not cure UC, but it may lessen symptoms such as:

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of your large intestine. UC is different from other diseases with similar symptoms like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It happens when your immune system makes a mistake. Normally, it attacks invaders in your body. But when you have UC, your immune system thinks food, good gut bacteria, and the cells that line your colon are the intruders. White blood cells that usually protect you attack the lining of your colon instead. They cause inflammation and ulcers.

These may be caused by swelling or irritation of the colon or rectum. After an attack is treated, Olsalazine Sodium is used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication is used for long-term regular control of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups.

Olsalazine Sodium is a type of medicine called an aminosalicylate. This is used to lessen the inflammation in the intestines. This product is supplied as a capsule for oral use. Each capsule contains Olsalazine Sodium as an active ingredient. It is a yellow crystalline powder that is practically soluble in water and practically insoluble in methanol. Olsalazine Sodium is available in the dosage form of 250 mg. This is a prescription approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How does Olsalazine Sodium work?

Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the large intestine. The inflammation results in ulceration and bleeding in the intestine. That it causes symptoms that include abdominal pain and diarrhea that are mixed with pus, mucus, and blood.

Olsalazine Sodium is made up of two molecules of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) covalently bound through an azo-bond. It is a medicine called mesalazine which is activated exclusively in the colon. When this drug reaches the large intestine, the bacteria found there cause it to split into the molecules of mesalazine. The mesalazine lessens the inflammation in the intestine. Wherein, it decreases the symptoms of the disease.

This medication is taken to reduce inflammation that is causing a flare-up of ulcerative colitis symptoms. It can be taken regularly to help keep the inflammation in the intestine under control. Thus, it prevents further flare-ups.

How to use Olsalazine Sodium?

The prescribed dosage for this medication is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to it. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly. You must take this medication exactly as it is prescribed. It may cause another complication or may worsen your current condition.

Olsalazine Sodium is to be taken by mouth. Usually, it is taken twice a day about 12 hours apart or as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with food/snack or after meals. It is to prevent stomach upset. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Don’t forget to take the drug at the same time each day and in the same way each day. This drug may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. Even if you feel well, continue to take this prescription. Do not suddenly stop taking this without consulting your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor right away.

What are the side effects of Olsalazine Sodium?

Common side effects:

Heartburn
Nausea
Mild stomach discomfort
Skin rash or itching
Muscle or joint pain
Urinating more often than usual

Stop using Olsalazine Sodium, and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats
Worsening colitis (stomach pain, fever, cramping, or bloody diarrhea)
Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, clay-colored stools, or itching

Get emergency medical help if you have theses sign of an allergic reaction:

Trouble or difficulty breathing/wheezing
Hives, itching or rash on the skin
Swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body

Warnings and Precautions

While taking this medication, your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests. It is to monitor your kidney function and the levels of your blood cells.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women before using this drug.
It is important to tell your doctor what medicines you are already taking including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines. Similarly, check with your doctor before taking any new drugs while using Olsalazine Sodium. It is to make sure that the combination is safe.
If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take twice the prescribed dosage to make up for the missed dose.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding, especially when combined with this medicine.
Olsalazine Sodium is very similar to Mesalamine. Do not use Mesalamine medications taken by mouth while using this drug.
You should not use this past the expiration date.
Do not share this drug or any of your prescriptions with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
Keep this medication at room temperature far from heat, moisture, and reach of children.

Do not take Olsalazine Sodium if:

You are allergic to it or any of the other ingredients of this drug.
You have ever had an allergic reaction to any salicylates (aspirin and aspirin-containing products).
You have severe kidney disease or decreased liver function
You are a child under 12 years old
You are taking any medicine for preventing blood clotting
You have any bleeding disorder