Balsalazide Disodium(bal sal’ a zyde)
Colazal, Giazo
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug class
Anti-inflammatory
Therapeutic Actions
Mechanism of action is unknown; thought to be direct, delivered intact to the colon; a local anti-inflammatory effect occurs in the colon where balsalazide is converted to mesalamine (5-ASA), which blocks cyclooxygenase and inhibits prostaglandin production in the colon.
Indications
Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (capsules)
NEW INDICATION: Treatment of males 18 yr and older with mild to moderately severe ulcerative colitis (tablets)Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to salicylates or mesalamine.
Use cautiously with renal impairment, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Capsules—750 mg; tablets—1.1 g
Dosages
Adults
Three 750-mg capsules PO tid for a total daily dose of 6.75 g. Continue for up to 12 wk. For male adults, three 1.1-g tablets PO bid for a total daily dose of 6.6 g for up to 8 wk.
Pediatric patients 5–17 yr
Three 750-mg capsules PO tid (6.75 g/day) with or without food for 8 wk, or one 750-mg capsule PO tid (2.25 g/day) with or without food for up to 8 wk. Tablets are not recommended.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
