Aminosalicylates - Side effects, Precautions and Contraindications
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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 - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Aminosalicylates cause?

You may experience the following side effects while on Aminosalicylates. Tell your doctor if you encounter any of them so that adjustments to your therapy may be made to reduce the occurrence of these side effects where possible. These include:

​SulfasalazineMesalazine (Oral)
​Common
  • ​Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Abdominal pain and indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Orange/ yellow discoloration of urine or perspiration from skin.
  • Extended wear soft contact lens may be permanently stained yellow
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Mild rash and itchiness
  • Drug fever- due to sulfa component
  • ​Nausea and vomiting
    Headache and dizziness
  • Abdominal pain and indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Mild rash and itchiness
Less common/ rare
  • Decrease in sperm production (reversible once stopped)
  • Yellowing of skin, eye
  • Pins and needles in hands and feet
  • Bone marrow suppression -
    manifested as sore throat, mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising/bleeding,
    unusual tiredness, prolonged
    infection or fever
  • Ringing in ears
  • Increased sensitivity to sun - apply sunscreen
  • Reversible lung inflammation
    manifested as breathlessness
  • Depression
  • Kidney pain/ inflammation
  • Pancreatitis manifested as severe abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of skin, eye
  • Bone marrow suppression -
    manifested as sore throat,
    mouth ulcers, unexplained
    bruising/bleeding, unusual
    tiredness, prolonged
    infection or fever
  • Kidney pain/ inflammation
  • Pancreatitis manifested as
    severe abdominal pain

 

If you experience any severe signs of illness, or side effects such as unexplained bruising, bleeding (nosebleeds), sore throat, fever or malaise, severe abdominal pain, or a blistering skin rash contact your doctor immediately.

Before taking Aminosalicylates , what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Aminosalicylates ?

  • 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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