Pentasa
Pentasa contains mesalazine, which helps reduce inflammation in the intestines and is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you the right dose; typically, adults take 2-4 grams daily for active disease and 2 grams daily for maintenance. The dose for children depends on their weight.
Method
Swallow the granules whole. You can empty the sachet directly onto your tongue and rinse it down with water or juice, or mix it with yogurt. Do not chew or crush the granules.
For adults, the maximum daily dose is 4 grams. For children, the total daily dose should not exceed the adult maximum dose.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Diarrhea
- •Stomach pain
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Gas
- •Rash
- •Dizziness
- •Inflammation of the heart muscle or its surrounding sac
- •Higher levels of amylase (an enzyme) in the blood
- •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- •Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
- •Changes in blood count, such as anemia
- •Allergic reactions, such as allergic skin rash
- •Fever caused by medicine
- •Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- •Allergic lung inflammation or allergic lung reactions, such as shortness of breath and cough
- •Inflammation of the entire large intestine
- •Liver and kidney problems
- •Temporary hair loss
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Red rash
- •Urine discoloration
- •Temporary decrease in sperm count
Important Warnings
- Do not use Pentasa if you are allergic to mesalazine, salicylates, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
- Talk to your doctor before using Pentasa if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, lung disease (especially asthma), or if you are allergic to sulfasalazine.
- Stop taking Pentasa and see a doctor immediately if you get red patches or blisters on your body, skin peeling, sores in the mouth/throat/nose/genitals/eyes, widespread rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. These could be signs of a serious skin reaction.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you get a severe or recurring headache, vision problems, or ringing in the ears, as these could be signs of increased pressure in the brain.
Show 1 more warnings
- Kidney stones may form. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment. Symptoms include pain in the side of your stomach and blood in your urine.
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)