Balsalazide

 
Generic Name: balsalazide

Brands: Colazal

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What is the most important information I should know about Balsalazide?

· If you experience worsening symptoms of colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea), stop taking Balsalazide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately.

· Balsalazide may interact with antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you need to take an antibiotic during treatment with Balsalazide.

 

What is Balsalazide?

· The exact way that Balsalazide works is unknown, but it is believed to reduce the actions of substances in the body that cause inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

· Balsalazide is used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

· Balsalazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Balsalazide?

· Before taking Balsalazide, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease, or     ·pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the opening between the stomach and the lower digestive system).

· You may not be able to take Balsalazide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

· Balsalazide is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Balsalazide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether Balsalazide passes into breast milk. Do not take Balsalazide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Balsalazide?

· Take Balsalazide exactly 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.

· Balsalazide can be taken with or without food.

· Balsalazide is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Store Balsalazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· 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.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Balsalazide overdose are not known but may include ringing in the ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, hyperventilation, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

What should I avoid while taking Balsalazide?

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· There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with Balsalazide unless your doctor directs otherwise.

 

What are the possible side effects of Balsalazide?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Balsalazide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or     ·worsening symptoms of colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Balsalazide and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache;     ·nausea, vomiting, stomach (abdominal) pain, or diarrhea;     ·fatigue; or     ·joint pain.

· 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 will affect Balsalazide?

· Balsalazide may interact with antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you have to take an antibiotic during treatment with Balsalazide.

· Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you take so that your therapies can be monitored for interactions.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Balsalazide written for health professionals that you may read.

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