Colazide capsules

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How does it work?

Balsalazide disodium belongs to a group of medicines called the aminosalicylates. It consists of mesalazine linked to a carrier molecule with a chemical bond. The active medicine, mesalazine, is released by the action of bacteria in the large bowel (colon). Mesalazine is an intestinal anti-inflammatory medicine that acts locally on the mucosa of the colon. By damping down the inflammatory process it allows the damaged tissue to recover. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is used to treat mild-moderate active ulcerative colitis and to maintain remission from the disease. Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the large intestine. This results in ulceration and bleeding in the intestine and causes symptoms including adominal pain and diarrhoea which may contain blood, pus or mucus.

What is it used for?

- Maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups
- Treatment of mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis

Warning!

- This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness. Your doctor may want to take a blood test to check your blood cells.
- This medicine is not recommended for use in children.
- During treatment, blood tests and urine samples are recommended to monitor kidney function and blood components.

Use with caution in

- Active peptic ulcer
- Asthma
- Bleeding disorders
- Liver disease
- Mildly decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

- Allergy to mesalazine
- Allergy to salicylates (e.g. aspirin)
- Breastfeeding
- Moderate to severely decreased kidney function
- Pregnancy
- Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.