No

5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative

Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in patients intolerant to sulfasalazine

C

Hypersensitivity to salicylates

Diarrhea is a common adverse effect of olsalazine; use with caution in patients with hypersensitivity to salicylates, sulfasalazine, or mesalamine

>10%: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache, fatigue, depression

Dermatologic: Rash, itching

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, dyspepsia, bloating, anorexia

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia

<1%: Fever, bloody diarrhea, blood dyscrasias, hepatitis

Symptoms of overdose include decreased motor activity, diarrhea

No data reported

The mechanism of action appears to be topical rather than systemic

Absorption: <3%; very little intact olsalazine is systemically absorbed

Protein binding: High

Metabolism: Mostly by colonic bacteria to the active drug, 5-aminosalicylic acid

Half-life, elimination: 56 minutes or 55 hours depending on the analysis used

Elimination: Primarily in feces

Adults: Oral: 1 g/day in 2 divided doses

Administer with food, increase residence of drug in body

ALT, AST (S)

May cause drowsiness or depression

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Take as directed, with meals, in evenly divided doses. You may experience flu-like symptoms or muscle pain (a mild analgesic may help); diarrhea (boiled milk or yogurt may help); or nausea or loss of appetite (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or chewing gum may help). Report persistent diarrhea or abdominal cramping, skin rash or itching, or other adverse reactions. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Monitor stool frequency

Capsule, as sodium: 250 mg