Pentasa is an oral capsule made up of a 5-aminosalicylate drug called mesalamine. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 500mg!

Pentasa is prescribed to adults who suffer mild to moderate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and is also effective at preventing the symptoms of these conditions from reoccurring. Pentasa is effective at treating these conditions and preventing the reoccurrence of symptoms because mesalamine is capable of affecting the substances in the body that cause inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis: This is a chronic disease affecting the colon, also known as the large intestine, and causes inflammation and ulcers to form on the inner lining of your colon. Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms of diarrhea (may have mucus or blood), bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue and is considered an inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn’s disease: This condition is also an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the intestines and is also considered a long-term condition.  The trigger for this disease is unknown; a viral or bacterial infection may have started the process by activating the immune system in the intestine. However, after the infection goes away, the immune system continues fighting and continues to cause inflammation. Symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain (usually located around the naval and typically is the worst after eating), bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, sores around the anus and joint or back pain.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Most prescription labels have the directions written on them for your convenience.

You may take this capsule with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking this capsule. Most people take Pentasa 4 times a day.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat and out of reach of children and pets.

Do not use Pentasa (mesalamine)

You should not use Pentasa if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

You should not give this drug to a child without the medical advice of a doctor.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before taking this medication, to ensure it is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of blockages in your digestive tract.

Risks

It has not been established if this medication will harm an unborn child if taken by a pregnant mother. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. You should avoid breast feeding while using this product unless your doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.

Common side effects of Pentasa (mesalamine) may include:

nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat; flu-like symptoms; headache, back pain; rash; or abnormal liver function tests.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Pentasa (mesalamine) may include:

severe stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea; or fever, headache, skin rash.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Avoid sharing your medication with others. This includes other people who share the same condition as you.

What drugs will interact with Pentasa?

Drugs that will interact with Pentasa include antacids, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with mesalamine (Pentasa). For more information on which drugs interact with mesalamine, contact your doctor.

What is the average dose for an adult with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis?

The average dose for an adult with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis is 1g (1000mg; two 500mg tablets) four times a day for a daily total of 4g (4000mg).

What if I miss a dose?

Take the miss dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon. Do not attempt to make up for a miss dose by doubling up on dosages.