This medication is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon or rectum. It is often used to treat ulcerative colitis.
How to take Asacol
Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. It is important for the outer coating of the tablet to remain intact for the medication to reach the lower intestines. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of this medication to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Side Effects
Dizziness, indigestion, bloating, gas, belching or minor stomach ache may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Constipation, diarrhea, weakness, hemorrhoids, cough, dry mouth, hair loss, acne, general body aches, swelling of the feet or ankles (edema) or sweating may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor promptly if you develop chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, rectal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or unusual fatigue.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, asthma and of any allergies you may have, especially to aspirin-like medications or to sulfasalazine. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of:
- methotrexate
- oral diabetes drugs
- certain gout medicines (e.g., probenecid)
- sulfasalazine
- olsalazine
- acetazolamide-type drugs (CAI)
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
- ringing in ears
- headache
- confusion
- drowsiness
- sweating
- fast breathing
- vomiting
- diarrhea.
Notes
The complete tablet or a partially dissolved tablet may appear in your stool. Notify your doctor if this occurs repeatedly. Blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Brand Names
In the U.S. — Asacol; Pentasa
In Canada — Asacol; Mesasal; Pentasa; Salofalk
Other commonly used names are: 5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA; mesalazine
| 
