Pentasa
Pentasa contains mesalazine, which treats inflammation in the intestines, especially in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
How to Use
Dosage
Dosage is individual; for adults, 2-4 grams daily for active disease or 2 grams daily for maintenance. For children, the dose is based on weight, typically half the adult dose for children under 40 kg and full adult dose for those over 40 kg.
Method
Swallow the granules whole. Pour the contents of the sachet directly onto your tongue and wash down with a small amount of water or juice. Do not chew or crush the granules. You can also mix the contents with yogurt and swallow immediately without chewing.
The maximum daily dose for adults is 4 grams. For children, the total daily dose should not exceed the adult maximum daily dose of 4 grams.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach pain
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Gas
- •Rash
- •Dizziness
- •Inflammation of the heart muscle or sac around the heart
- •Increased amylase levels
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- •Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to mesalazine, salicylates, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver or kidney problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfasalazine.
- Tell your doctor if you have a lung disease, especially asthma.
Show 5 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines that may affect kidney function or medicines containing azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or thioguanine.
- Stop using Pentasa and contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden cramps, stomach pain, fever, severe headache, or a rash.
- Kidney stones may form; drink enough fluids during treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience pain in the side of your stomach or blood in your urine.
- Stop using Pentasa and seek medical help immediately if you get severe skin reactions like red, target-like spots, peeling skin, blisters, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, genitals, or eyes, especially if accompanied by fever.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or recurring headaches, vision problems, or ringing in your ears during treatment.
Use in Elderly Patients
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)