olsalazine

Medically Reviewed on 9/20/2023

Generic Name: olsalazine

Brand Name: Dipentum

Drug Class: 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivatives

What is olsalazine, and what is it used for?

Olsalazine is an oral medication that works as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating inflammatory diseases of the colon such as  ulcerative colitis (UC). It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Inactive itself, it is converted by the bacteria in the colon to its active form, mesalamine. Following oral administration very little of the olsalazine (less than 10%) is absorbed from the intestine into the body. The benefit of mesalamine is believed to be due to a local effect from within the colon. Mesalamine also is thought to be the active component of another drug used for treating inflammatory diseases of the intestines, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).

  • Olsalazine was approved by the FDA in July 1990.
  • The brand name for olsalazine is Dipentum.
  • Olsalazine is not available in generic form. You need a prescription to obtain this drug.

What are the side effects of olsalazine?

Common side effects are:

Other important side effects include:

Gastrointestinal disturbances commonly occur in persons who take olsalazine. Diarrhea occurs in about 1 of every 6 persons who take it; about one in 20 need to discontinue therapy because the diarrhea is severe. Abdominal pain or cramps occur in 1 in 10 persons, and nausea or vomiting occurs in 1 in 20. Other side effects, including dizziness, depression, and headache, occur less frequently than gastrointestinal effects during therapy. Rashes occur in 2.3% of persons and joint pain in 4%.

SLIDESHOW

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment See Slideshow

What is the dosage for olsalazine?

Olsalazine usually is administered at a dose of 500 mg (two capsules) twice daily. It should be taken with meals.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Mesalamine, which is the active form of olsalazine, may be secreted into breast milk and cause diarrhea in the infant.

What else should you know about olsalazine?

What preparations of olsalazine are available?

Capsules: 250 mg.

How should I keep olsalazine stored?

The capsules should be kept at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

Summary

Olsalazine is an oral medication prescribed for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis who do not tolerate sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this drug.

Treatment & Diagnosis

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more info: olsalazine on RxList
Medically Reviewed on 9/20/2023
References
FDA Prescribing Information.