Colazal : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?
Colazal (Balsalazide) is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum). Colazal is an anti-inflammatory medicine. It is converted to mesalamine in the body and works by reducing intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?
Colazal (Balsalazide) comes in capsules to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Colazal exactly as directed. Do not take more or less or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Colazal is generally taken for 8 weeks, but can be taken for up to 12 weeks. Continue to take Colazal even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Colazal without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Colazal,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Colazal, aspirin, magnesium choline trisalicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate), choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Nuprin Backache, Mobidin, Doan’s extra strong, others), mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa), salsalate (Argesic-AS, Disalcid, others), sodium salicylate, sodium thiosalicylate (Rexolate), sulfasalzine (azulfidine) or any other drug.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, especially oral antibiotics and vitamins and herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease or pyloric stenosis (a condition in which the stomach slowly empties).
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Colazal, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from Colazal can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • joint pain
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • tiredness
  • gas
  • runny nose
  • muscle or back pain
  • coughing
  • loss of appetite
  • urinary tract infection
  • constipation
  • dry mouth

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • dark urine
  • bloating or swelling of the stomach
  • increased diarrhea
  • rectal bleeding
  • fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medications out of the sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as those for taking pills weekly and those used for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not resistant to children and children. young children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe place, one that is up, away, and out of your sight and reach. They can submit an online report to the reporting program of adverse events MedWatch from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) http://www.upandaway.org

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to get rid of your medication is through a medication take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local recycling / garbage department to find out about return programs in your community. Consult the FDA’s Safe Drug Disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or cannot wake up, call 911 immediately.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should carry this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Colazal
  • Giazo

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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