What is Pentasa?
Pentasa is a chemical in the body that causes tissue damage, inflammation, and diarrhea. Pentasa can be used for treating moderate to mild colitis with ulcers in adults. The condition is caused by ulcers, inflammation, and sores on the bowel, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pentasa is also prescribed without a prescription in the USA to treat Crohn's disease. The use of Pentasa for treating Crohn's disease has been accepted in other countries.
Warnings
Stop taking Pentasa and contact your doctor immediately in case you are experiencing extreme abdominal pains, stomach cramps, and bleeding diarrhea (which may be associated with the appearance of a fever, migraine, or an itch on your skin).
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use Pentasa if you have an allergy to mesalamine or aspirin salicylates, sulfasalazine, or sulf (such as Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid Kaopectate, Nuprin Doan's Pill, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and more).
To ensure that Pentasa is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:
- A kidney stone, or kidney illness
- liver disease;
- an obstruction in the stomach or intestines (such as pyloric theosis) as well as
- a skin condition such as eczema.
Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It isn't known if mesalamine could affect a baby who is not yet born. But if you have untreated or uncontrolled ulcerative colitis in pregnancy, it can result in problems such as low birth weight or premature birth. The benefits of treating ulcerative colitis could outweigh the risks for the infant.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks. If you're breastfeeding, inform your doctor if there is diarrhea in your nursing infant.
How to take Pentasa?
You should take Pentasa exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets.
This medication can alter the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you about your use of mesalamine. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones. Pentasa is a drink that can be consumed either with food or even without. Take the capsule in its entirety, and don't break or chew the capsule's contents. Inform your physician that you are experiencing difficulty taking your capsule.
If you are unable to swallow the capsule in its entirety, then open it up and sprinkle the medicine on the applesauce or yogurt. Take the entire mixture immediately, and do not chew. Don't save it for future use. Contact your doctor if symptoms of ulcerative colitis do not improve or become worse.
This medication can alter the outcomes of certain medical tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking mesalamine. You might require regular blood tests to monitor your kidney cells and blood function. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Ulcerative Colitis—Active:
250 mg and 500 mg capsules with extended release of 1 g, orally, 4 times per day.
Therapy duration: up to 8 weeks.
Uses: treatment for moderately active to mildly active ulcerative colitis, and the inducement of remission from ulcerative colitis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
If you suffer from any skin conditions, like eczema or eczema-like skin, you are more susceptible to sunburn. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Protect yourself with protective clothes and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) while you're outdoors.
Side effects of Pentasa
Take immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Pentasa: hives or breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Stop taking Pentasa and contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:
- Severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, and bloody diarrhea;
- Headache, fever, general feeling of ill-health;
- Itching, rash, the eye is red;
- Bloody or tarry stool and coughing blood; or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
- Low white blood cell count (fever, chills) skin sores, mouth open sores, irritation of the throat, and cough. Feeling lightheaded and having trouble breathing.
- Symptoms of kidney stones: painful pain on your back and sides, often having to go to the bathroom, smelly urine, and cloudy or dark urine;
- Kidney issues such as increased or less frequent urination, swelling, and weight gain.
- Liver issues weight loss, nausea, stomach pain in the upper part of the stomach, fatigue, easy bruising, and bleeding. Also, dark urine stool with a clay color and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
The low white blood cell count could be more prevalent in older adults.
Common Pentasa side effects may include:
- Burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas;
- dizziness;
- symptoms of the cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, sore throat,
- lower back pain;
- Headache;
- It can be a rash or
- Abnormal tests of liver function.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Mesalamine could affect your kidneys, particularly when you are also taking specific medicines to treat osteoporosis, cancer, infections, organ transplant rejection, digestive issues, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, including:
- Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.
This list isn't complete. Other medications can interfere with mesalamine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.
