olsalazine

Generic Name: olsalazine
Other Brand Names: Dipentum

What is olsalazine?

The exact way that olsalazine works is unknown, but it is believed to reduce the actions of a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

Olsalazine is used to treat and to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis.

Olsalazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olsalazine?

Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with olsalazine.

It is not known whether olsalazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take olsalazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether olsalazine passes into breast milk. Do not take olsalazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take olsalazine?

Take olsalazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take olsalazine with food in evenly divided doses as directed.

Store olsalazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of olsalazine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about olsalazine?
Your pharmacist has information about olsalazine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of olsalazine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking olsalazine and seek emergency medical attention:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

  • worsening colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea).

Diarrhea is a commonly experienced side effect of olsalazine therapy. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience diarrhea.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take olsalazine and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • abdominal cramping, nausea, or vomiting;

  • headache or dizziness; or

  • a rash.

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 is the most important information I should know about olsalazine?

Take olsalazine with food in evenly divided doses as directed by your doctor.

Contact your doctor if you experience diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking olsalazine?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with olsalazine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What other drugs will affect olsalazine?

Olsalazine may increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin), which could lead to bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin before starting therapy with olsalazine.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with olsalazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What happens if I have an overdose of olsalazine?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a olsalazine overdose include fatigue, lethargy, and vomiting.

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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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008