Balsalazide
About
Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat ulcerative colitis. It is used in the treatment of mild to moderate active Ulcerative colitis (UC). Ulcerative colitis is a serious inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract. It produces ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. UC mostly occurs in people between the age of 15 to 30 years.
Balsalazide contains Balsalazide, which belongs to the group of aminosalicylates. This medicine works by delivering mesalazine to the large intestine, which acts directly on ulcerative colitis. This helps reduce inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and relieves symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
Balsalazide may cause certain common side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or flatulence (gas). Most of these side effects of Balsalazide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. This medicine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the dose of this medicine based on the severity of the condition.
Balsalazide should be avoided if you are allergic to salicylates or aminosalicylates. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Balsalazide. This medicine is suitable for use in both children and adults. However, it should be avoided for use in children below five years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. Avoid taking Balsalazide if you have severe kidney disease. If you have stomach pain, cramps, severe headache, fever or rash, stop taking Balsalazide and immediately consult your doctor. Balsalazide should be used with caution in the elderly population.
Uses of Balsalazide
Medicinal Benefits
Balsalazide contains Balsalazide, which belongs to the aminosalicylate group of medicines. This medicine mainly converts to mesalamine (a therapeutically active molecule) cleaved by bacterial azo reduction. This helps reduce inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and relieves symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding. Balsalazide may also prevent further episodes of ulcerative colitis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Balsalazide
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Respiratory infections
- Arthralgia
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Balsalazide should be avoided if you are allergic to it salicylates or aminosalicylates. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Balsalazide. This medicine is suitable for use in both children and adults. However, it should be avoided for use in children below five years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. Avoid taking Balsalazide if you have severe kidney failure. If you have stomach pain, cramps, severe headache, fever or rash, stop taking Balsalazide immediately and consult a doctor. Balsalazide should be used with caution in the elderly population. Avoid taking Balsalazide if you have had blood abnormalities or kidney problems while taking other medicines such as sulphasalazine. This medicine may cause hepatic failure, kidney stones, upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction, and nephrolithiasis. Hence maintain caution while taking Balsalazide.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Balsalazide may have interaction with a laxative (lactulose), painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), immunosuppressants (azathioprine), chemotherapy drugs (thioguanine, mercaptopurine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Maintain caution while taking Balsalazide if you have a stomach ulcer, a blockage in the stomach, or any medical condition that can cause bleeding, liver, kidney, or blood problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid or limit the consumption of alcohol as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Balsalazide. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Balsalazide. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionBalsalazide usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Please talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Balsalazide. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionBalsalazide should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment. However, this medicine is not used in patients with severe kidney impairment.
Children
cautionBalsalazide is not recommended for use in children below five years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. It should be used only if prescribed by the paediatrician in children above five years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet and eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, spinach, parsley, and berries, to help heal faster.
- Include olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Limit dairy intake as your body may develop difficulty digesting certain dairy products when affected with Crohn’s disease, leading to stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for better recovery.
Special Advise
Blood and urine tests are recommended before and during the treatment with Balsalazide to monitor kidney, liver, and blood functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a serious inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract. It produces ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever, or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite, or nausea. Ulcerative Colitis mostly occurs in people between the age of 15 to 30 years.
FAQs
Balsalazide contains Balsalazine, which belongs to the aminosalicylate group of medicines. This medicine mainly converts to mesalamine (a therapeutically active molecule) cleaved by bacterial azo reduction. This helps reduce inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and relieves symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
Yes, Balsalazide may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists and worsens with fever, watery stools, or consistent stomach pain, please consult your doctor. Also, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while taking Balsalazide.
Do not take Balsalazide with Ibuprofen as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of kidney problems. However, please consult your doctor before taking Balsalazide with other medicines.
