Common Use

Pentasa is a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis. It belongs to the group of medications called aminosalicylates. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon, reducing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis.

Dosage and Directions

Take Pentasa exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all recommendations carefully. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Contact your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.

Precautions

Before using Pentasa, discuss with your doctor if you have pyloric stenosis, an allergy to sulfasalazine, congestive heart failure, or liver or kidney disease.

Contraindications

Do not use Pentasa if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, or other salicylates. Consult your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, pyloric stenosis, congestive heart failure, or a history of allergy to sulfasalazine.

Possible Side Effects

Severe side effects include:

• Severe stomach pain
• Cramping
• Fever
• Headache
• Bloody diarrhea

Less serious side effects include:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or gas
• Fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• Constipation
• Headache or dizziness
• Tiredness
• Skin rash

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially:

• Azathioprine (Imuran) or mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
• Pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Amphotericin B (Fungizone, AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet)
• Antibiotics like capreomycin (Capastat), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled)
• Antiviral medicines like acyclovir (Zovirax), adefovir (Hepsera), cidofovir (Vistide), or foscarnet (Foscavir)
• Cancer medicines like aldesleukin (Proleukin), carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), ifosfamide (Ifex), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid)
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek urgent medical help if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include ringing in the ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Storage

Store Pentasa at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Keep it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

This information provides general details about medications and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We disclaim any reliability of this information and are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from its use or self-treatment.