II. Indications
III. Mechanism
- Diazo-Bonded 5-ASA product
- Oral agent converted to active 5-ASA (Mesalamine) by Bacteria within the colon
IV. Dosing: Adult
- Induction: 1.5 to 3 g/day divided twice daily
- Maintain: 500 mg orally twice daily with food
- As of 2022, >$1500/month
V. Adverse Effects
-
Diarrhea (17 to 20%)
- Balsalazide has similar mechanism of action, but less Diarrhea (better tolerated)
VI. Safety
- Pregnancy Category C
- Avoid in Lactation
VII. Resources
- Olsalazine - Dipentum (DailyMed)
VIII. References
- (2022) Treatment of Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis, Presc Lett, #350406
- (2023) Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Med Lett Drug Ther 65: 105-12