Balsalazide

Balsalazide consists of mesalazine linked to 4-aminobenzoylalanine via an zobond.This bond is broken by colonic bacteria releasing the active mesalazine. The absorption of intact balsalazide from the gastrointestinal tract is negligible. It is spilt by bacteria in the colon to 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalazine).

Indications

Treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Dosage

Acute attack:- 2.25g 3 times daily until remission occurs or for up to max. 12 weeks. Maintenance:- 1.5 g twice daily, adjusted according to response (max. 6g daily) children not recommended.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, pain, exacerbation of symptoms of colitis, headache, hypersensitivity reactions (including rash and urticaria).