Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Olsalazine is prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and sores in the lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, specifically in adults who cannot tolerate another medication called sulfasalazine. Classified as an anti-inflammatory agent, olsalazine works to diminish bowel inflammation, alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain associated with ulcerative colitis.
Uses and Dosage
Follow your doctor’s instructions and take this medication orally, typically twice a day with approximately 12 hours between doses. Consume it with food or after meals to mitigate the risk of stomach upset. The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to the treatment.
Stay adequately hydrated throughout the course of this medication, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Adequate fluid intake helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Consistently use this medication to maximize its effectiveness. Establish a routine by taking it at the same times each day to aid in memory.
Inform your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- stomach upset
- nausea
- bloating
- loss of appetite
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- dizziness
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash, hives, itching or peeling or blistering skin
- fever
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- new or worsening cough
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- diarrhea
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- extreme tiredness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach
- pale stools
- difficult or painful urination or cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- back pain
Caution
- Prior to taking olsalazine, communicate any allergies you may have to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are allergic to olsalazine, aspirin, or related drugs like salicylates (such as mesalamine), NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), balsalazide, or sulfasalazine. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Before initiating this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of asthma, nasal polyps, kidney problems, liver problems, or if you have undergone radiation treatment in the pelvic area.
- Be cautious about the potential for stomach bleeding with this medication, especially when combined with daily alcohol use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
- This medication shares similarities with aspirin. Children and teenagers under 18 years old should avoid aspirin or aspirin-related medications if they have chickenpox, the flu, any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a live virus vaccine (such as the varicella vaccine), without first consulting a doctor due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
- Exercise caution with sun exposure, as this medication may increase sensitivity to the sun. Limit time spent outdoors, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen along with protective clothing. Notify your doctor if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.
- During pregnancy, use this drug only when necessary, and discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as this drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Form and Strength
Dipentum is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Dipentum capsule:
- 250 mg
FAQ
Is Dipentum a steroid?
No, Dipentum isn’t a steroid; it belongs to a class of medications called aminosalicylates.
Do I have to take Dipentum with food?
You should try to take Dipentum with food, because food can help prevent diarrhea, the most common side effect of this medication.
