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:
- gastrointestinal disturbances,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal pain, and
- nausea.
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 SlideshowWhat 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.
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.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan
An ulcerative colitis diet plan can help a person with the disease avoid foods and drinks that trigger flares. There also are foods that can soothe ulcerative colitis symptoms during a flare. Types of ulcerative colitis plans include a high-calorie diet, a lactose-free diet, a low-fat diet, a low-fiber diet (low-residue diet), or a low-salt diet. Self-management of ulcerative colitis using healthy lifestyle habits and a nutrient rich diet can be effective in management of the disease. Learn what foods to avoid that aggravate, and what foods help symptoms of the disease and increase bowel inflammation.
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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to Crohn's disease, and together they are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment depends upon the type of ulcerative colitis diagnosed.
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How Long Does an Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up Last?
An ulcerative colitis flare-up can last a few days or a few weeks and then be followed by a remission that lasts for months or even years. How long a flare-up lasts depends on the severity of the disease, triggers, and medication compliance.
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When Do You Need Hospitalization for Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can be life-threatening when the symptoms flare up. You need ulcerative colitis hospitalization if you have more than six bowel movements per day, blood in your stool, high temperature and heart rate, and severe abdominal pain.
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Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are common symptoms and signs.
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Crohn's Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are diseases that cause inflammation of part of or the entire digestive tract (GI). Crohn's affects the entire GI tract (from the mouth to the anus), while ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis only affects the large and small intestine and ilium. Researchers do not know the exact cause of either disease. About 20% of people with Crohn's disease also have a family member with the disease. Researchers believe that certain factors may play a role in causing UC. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are a type of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both have similar symptoms and signs, for example, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, episodic and/or persistent diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, joint pain and soreness, eye redness, or pain. Symptoms unique to Crohn’s disease include anemia and skin changes. Symptoms of unique to ulcerative colitis include certain rashes, and an urgency to defecate (have a bowel movement). Doctors diagnose both diseases with similar tests and procedures. While there is no cure for either disease, doctors and other health care professionals can help you treat disease flares, and manage your Crohn's or ulcerative colitis with medication, diet, nutritional supplements, and/or surgery.
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What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (large bowel) leading to erosion and ulcers. It is a lifelong illness with no specific cause or cure.
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What Is the Best Diet for Someone With Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition in which your colon and rectum are often inflamed. The best diet for someone with ulcerative colitis is one that includes lean protein, low-fiber fruit, refined grains, cooked vegetables, probiotic-rich foods, and calcium-rich foods.
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Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered to be an autoimmune disease. With autoimmune disorders, your immune system goes awry and attacks your own body instead of defending it from infections and illnesses.
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What Does Your Stool Look Like With Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that involves the inner lining of the large bowel. It causes abdominal pain and bleeds due to erosions and ulcers all over the large intestine and rectum.
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What Foods Trigger Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (or inflammatory bowel disease) is a difficult condition to live with. Foods that trigger ulcerative colitis include raw green vegetables, lactose, sugar alcohol, caffeine, alcohol, whole grains, and foods high in fat.
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Is Ulcerative Colitis Curable?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (large bowel or colon) leading to erosion and ulcers. It is also associated with various manifestations outside of the colon, such as inflammation of the eyes, joints, skin, and lungs. Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong illness with no specific cause or cure. Patients have repeated cycles of flare-ups and disappearance of the disease.
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Is Pancolitis the Same as Ulcerative Colitis?
Pancolitis is a form of ulcerative colitis (UC) that inflames the entire large intestine. Living with pancolitis often requires medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
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Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Healed?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. While there's no known ulcerative colitis cure, treatment can help you manage your symptoms and let you lead a full life.
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What Is the Best Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (large bowel) leading to erosion and ulcers. It is a lifelong illness with no specific cause or cure. Patients have repeated cycles of flare-ups and remission with potential extraintestinal (beyond the bowel) manifestations, such as joint pain, eye pain, and skin rashes.
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How Do You Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes blood stool, diarrhea, rectal pain, and other symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests.
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How Do I Know if My Ulcerative Colitis Is Flaring?
Ulcerative colitis happens when irritation and open sores appear in the large intestine. You know ulcerative colitis is flaring if you experience bloody stools, nausea and vomiting, frequent bowel movements, and other symptoms.
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How Serious Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease with constant periods of flare-ups and remissions (periods without symptoms, which may last for weeks or years). Presently, there is no permanent medical cure for it, but there are various medications that can provide symptomatic relief, reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups.
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What Are the First Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
The first symptoms and signs of ulcerative colitis (UC) may include persistent diarrhea, loose or bloody stools, cramp-like abdominal pain, and general feelings of being unwell, bloated, or constipated.
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Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Cured With Surgery?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon (the large bowel) characterized by frequent bloody diarrhea (10-30 episodes) throughout the day. Medicines can only reduce the intensity of its symptoms and surgery is the only option to cure it.
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What Is the Best Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis?
Treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis (UC) vary from person to person. Your doctor will base recommendations for medication on the intensity of your symptoms and severity of the disease.
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What Happens When You Have Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that mainly manifests as intestinal ulcers. The ulcers may result in bleeding and cause bloody stools. Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
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.