Colazal (Balsalazide)

Colazal is called Colazide in Europe.

Information about Colazal (Balsalazide)

Colazal is a brand name for balsalazide, a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis. Balsalazide is a prodrug that converts to its active form, mesalamine, in the colon. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Product Highlights

• Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older. It helps to reduce symptoms and maintain remission of the disease.

Key Ingredient

• Balsalazide disodium 

Key Benefits

• Works directly on the inflamed areas of the colon, reducing symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
• Provides relief from inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis, helping to induce and maintain remission.
• Generally well-tolerated with a favorable side effect profile compared to other treatments for ulcerative colitis.

Direction of Use

• The usual dose for adults is 6.75 grams per day, divided into three capsules taken twice daily. For pediatric patients, the dosage may be adjusted according to their weight and age.
• Capsules should be taken orally, typically with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. It is important to swallow the capsules whole and not to crush or chew them.

Safety Concerns

• May include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence. These side effects are generally mild and brief in duration.
• Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, liver enzyme abnormalities, and kidney issues. Monitoring liver and kidney function may be necessary during treatment.
• Regular monitoring for adverse effects and disease status is recommended, particularly for long-term use.

Avoid Colazal (Balsalazide) If

• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to balsalazide, mesalamine, or any other component of the medication.
• Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment, as it may affect the clearance of the drug and increase the risk of toxicity.
• Avoid in cases of severe gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction, as it may exacerbate these conditions.