Aminosalicylates - Dosage and How to Use
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Aminosalicylates

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Aminosalicylates Salofalk ® (Mesalazine EC); Pentasa ® (Mesalazine PR); Salofalk ® (Mesalazine) Rectal Foam; Sulfasalazine EC Adult

Aminosalicylates - Dosage and How to Use

How should Aminosalicylates be used?

Oral 5-ASAs are usually taken twice or three times daily. Your doctor may start with a lower dose to minimize the side effects and increase the dose slowly over time.

Rectal 5-ASAs are usually given once at night, up to two times a day for severe condition.

Higher doses are usually given for acute attacks and lower doses are used to maintain remission.

Improvement in symptoms occur gradually, takes about 6-12 weeks to see effect.

 

How should it be taken?

Drugs​ ​Route​ ​Administration​Timing with regard to food
​Salofalk ® (Mesalazine) Rectal Foam​RectalRefer to Mesalazine Rectal Foam PIL
Pentasa ® (Mesalazine PR) tablet​Oral​Swallow whole; if unable
to swallow, tablets can
be dissolved in about
50mL of water. Do not
crush/chew the small
granules
​Take with or without food
​Salofalk ® (Mesalazine EC) tablet​Oral​Cannot be crush/ chew/
cut. Swallow whole. (Due
to pH-dependent
release nature of drug).
Take with plenty of fluid.
​Take 30-60 min before food.
​Sulfasalazine EC tablet​Oral​Recommended to
swallow whole to
prevent gastric side
effects. If unable to
swallow, tablet can be
crushed/cut.
Take with plenty of fluid.
​Take with or after food to
minimize side effects

 

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same.

What should I do if I overdose?

  • Tags: Mesalazine, Sulfasalazine
  • Updated on 1/1/2016 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Pharmacy Department KK Women's and Children's Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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