Balsalazide (By mouth)

bal-SAL-a-zide

Treats ulcerative colitis.

Drug classes

Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Balsalazide is used to treat an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. Balsalazide capsules are used to treat active ulcerative colitis in patients 5 years of age and older. Balsalazide tablets are used to treat mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis in male patients 18 years of age and older.

Balsalazide works inside the intestines (bowel) to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of the disease.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Capsule, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine is not for long-term use.

It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to balsalazide, aminosalicylates, or salicylates (such as aspirin).

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or pyloric stenosis. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination

Increased bloody or black diarrhea, cramps, headache, stomach pain

Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or cough

Tiredness or unusual bruising

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Colazal, Giazo

There may be other brand names for this medicine.