The following information is a summary about Colazal. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is balsalazide?
Balsalazide reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation in the
colon (bowel).
Balsalazide is used to treat active ulcerative colitis.
Balsalazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about balsalazide?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to balsalazide or to salicylates (such as
aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).
Before taking balsalazide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a
stomach disorder called pyloric stenosis, kidney disease, or an infection that you are treating with
antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse after you start taking balsalazide.
Balsalazide may interact with antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you need to take an antibiotic
during treatment with balsalazide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking balsalazide?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to balsalazide or to salicylates (such as
aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).
Before taking balsalazide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- a stomach disorder called pyloric stenosis;
- kidney disease; or
- any infection that you are treating with antibiotics.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
balsalazide, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether balsalazide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take balsalazide?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Balsalazide can be taken with or without food.
Balsalazide is for short-term use only. Do not take this medication for longer than 12
weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse after you start taking balsalazide.
Store balsalazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a balsalazide overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking balsalazide?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with balsalazide unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Balsalazide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using balsalazide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
- worsening colitis symptoms, such as fever, stomach pain, cramps, or bloody diarrhea;
- bleeding from your rectum; or
- pale skin, easy bruising, weakness.
Keep taking balsalazide and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
- headache, sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- runny nose, cold symptoms; or
- joint pain.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drug's will affect balsalazide?
Before taking balsalazide, tell your doctor if you are taking any type of antibiotic.
There may be other drugs that can affect balsalazide. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has more information about balsalazide written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Balsalazide is available with a prescription under the brand name Colazal. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
