Pentasa drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

Pentasa drug works to treat patients with ulcerative colitis by reducing swelling in the large intestine. Pentasa is also used under the generic name Mesalamine. The drug is available in two forms, capsules and tablets.

Pentasa is prescribed by many doctors for patients with ulcerative colitis. The drug works to relieve some symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.
Pentasa is classified as a class of drugs called aminosalicylates. The mechanism of action of this drug is to reduce swelling in the large intestine.

Pentasa is formulated in capsule form, so the drug is taken orally at a dose of 4 times per day or as prescribed by a doctor. For those who have difficulty taking medicine such as difficulty swallowing, it is possible to take the medicine with food. If you are taking this medication in tablet form, take it with a meal.
When using Pentasa you need to swallow the tablet whole, do not chew or crush the medicine. Doing so can keep the medicine from being released properly into the colon (large intestine). If you have trouble taking the capsule, you can open the capsule and mix it with apple sauce or yogurt. You need to swallow the mixture that has just been mixed and do not leave it until next time. When using Pentasa, you should drink plenty of water to avoid kidney stones.
Dosage is also calculated based on the patient's health status and ability to respond to the treatment process. You need to use this medicine regularly for the treatment to get the best results. Set a reminder every day so you don't miss a dose.

Some unwanted side effects may occur when using Pentasa such as:
Diarrhea Headache Nausea or vomiting Serious side effects such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine, dark urine , persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, bloody stools, yellowing of the eyes and skin, chest pain, trouble breathing. Allergic reactions such as rash, itching or redness, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Before taking Pentasa, you need to be aware of a few things such as:
Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have, especially to other aminosalicylates or salicylates, sulfasalazine. Talk to your doctor about your and your family's medical history, especially kidney disease, liver disease, or a blockage in your stomach (such as pyloric stenosis). Using this medicine may make your skin more sensitive, especially if you have a skin problem such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). Therefore, you need to limit your time in direct sunlight. When you experience sunburn or red skin, you need to immediately go to a medical facility to get help. Before surgery, give your doctor a list of all the medicines you are taking. This medicine has the same effect as aspirin. Therefore, children and adolescents with chickenpox, the flu, or any other undiagnosed or recently vaccinated illness should not take it. This is because aspirin can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. During pregnancy, doctors recommend that the drug should be used only when absolutely necessary. This medicine passes into the milk ducts, so it may cause unwanted effects on the newborn.

Liver and kidney function monitoring tests need to be monitored regularly, if there are any abnormal signs in the test results, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
Need to store the medicine in a dry place, do not expose the medicine to direct sunlight. Do not leave the medicine in the bathroom or in a place with high humidity, otherwise it may reduce the quality of the medicine or cause moisture and mold.

Drug interactions can happen if someone has overdosed and develops serious symptoms such as:
Fainting Shortness of breath Tinnitus Confusion Rapid breathing Convulsions Once a drug interaction occurs, the patient can have serious side effects, affecting health. Do not use or stop taking the medicine without the consent of your doctor. The drug most likely to cause this interaction is dichlorphenamide.
Mesalamine is very similar in nature to balsalazide, olsalazine and sulfasalazine. Therefore, do not use Pentasa with products containing balsalazide, olsalazine or sulfasalazine.

Reference source: webmd.com