Asacol

Common Name: 5-aminosalicylic acid enteric coated

How does Asacol work?

This medication may be used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease. It is used for mild and moderate cases of these diseases. It acts by reducing inflammation in the bowel. Different brands of 5-aminosalicylic acid are designed to act on different places in the gastrointestinal tract (the "digestion tube" that runs from the mouth to the anus). Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum only, while Crohn's disease affects the whole gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, some brands are used to treat only ulcerative colitis, while others can be used to treat both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Asacol?

Tablet: The recommended adult dose of tablets ranges between 1.5 g and 4 g daily taken in divided doses depending on the product selected. Swallow the tablets whole, ensuring that you do not break the outer coating. Take the tablets only as prescribed. Do not change the number or frequency of tablets ingested without first consulting your doctor. Suppository, rectal suspension, enema: The usual dose for suppositories, rectal suspension, and enema is 1 g to 4 g daily divided into one or two doses, or as prescribed by the doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Asacol come in?

Each brown-red, capsule-shaped, enteric-coated tablet contains 5-ASA 400 mg (mesalamine), coated with a special acrylic-based resin, Eudragit S (methacrylic acid copolymer Type B), which delays release of the 5-ASA until the tablet reaches the terminal ileum. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibutyl phthalate, Eudragit S (methacrylic acid copolymer Type B), iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc. This medication does not contain bisulfite, gluten, paraben, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Asacol?

This medication should not be used by anyone who: has a history of allergy to this medication or other salicylates (e.g., ASA) has a gastric or duodenal ulcer has a urinary tract obstruction is under 2 years of age

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Asacol?

Reduced kidney or liver function: People with reduced kidney or liver function should exercise caution in taking this medication. Tablets in stool: Infrequently, what look to be intact or partially intact tablets may appear in the stool. If this occurs repeatedly, consult your doctor. Slow emptying of stomach: This medication may not work as well for people with a condition known as pyloric stenosis. Pregnancy: This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. Children: The safety and effectiveness of 5-ASA for use by children have not been established.