Uses
Olsalazine, an anti-inflammatory medicine, is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum). Olsalazine reduces bowel inflammation, diarrhea (stool frequency), rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects Of Olsalazine
Olsalazine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach upset
- bloating
- loss of appetite
- blurred vision
- headache
- pain in joints
- dizziness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- chest pain
- diarrhea
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking olsalazine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olsalazine, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking osalazine, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Olsalazine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Olsalazine Dosage
Olsalazine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day after meals or with food to prevent stomach upset. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take olsalazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to olsalazine.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
