Asacol
Asacol is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and to prevent them from returning.
Form
enterotabletti
Strength
800 mg
Active Ingredient
Mesalazine
Manufacturer
Tillotts Pharma AB
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you your dose. Usually 1600-2400 mg daily for maintenance, or up to 4800 mg daily for active disease.
Method
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water before meals. Do not chew, crush, or divide them.
Important
Maximum 4800 mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses, during active disease.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Rash
- •Digestive problems
RARE
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Heart inflammation with chest pain and palpitations
- •Diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, feeling of discomfort in the stomach with nausea and vomiting
- •Increased skin sensitivity to sun and UV light
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to mesalazine, salicylates (like aspirin), or any other ingredient in Asacol.
- Do not use if you have severe kidney or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have had kidney, stomach ulcer, or duodenal ulcer problems, especially if you are elderly.
- Do not use if you have had heart hypersensitivity reactions (like myocarditis or pericarditis) to mesalazine before.
- Tell your doctor if you have lung diseases like asthma; your doctor may check your lung function.
- If you are allergic to sulfasalazine, Asacol treatment should only start under strict medical supervision and stop immediately if you experience cramps, stomach pain, fever, severe headache, or rash.
Show 6 more warnings
- Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check your kidney function and blood count.
- Stop using mesalazine and seek medical help immediately if you get severe skin reactions like red target-like spots, peeling skin, blisters in the mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes, widespread rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Seek medical help immediately if you get unexplained bruising or bleeding under the skin, purple spots, anemia (tiredness, weakness, paleness), fever, sore throat, or unusual bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds).
- Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe or recurring headaches, vision problems, or ringing in your ears, as these could be signs of increased pressure in the brain.
- Kidney stones can form with mesalazine use. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment.
- Asacol is recommended only for children aged 6 years and older.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Consider renal impairment. Do not use in severe renal impairment. Remember blood tests to monitor safety. (updated 20.5.2024)