IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(bal-SAL-uh-zide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colazal
USES: This medication is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon. It is usually used to treat ulcerative colitis.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually three times daily without regard to food, or take as directed by your doctor. It may take several weeks of continued use to see relief of symptoms. Your dosage may consist of taking more than one capsule at a time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this medication correctly and follow all instructions carefully.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, weakness, joint pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding, unusual tiredness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: stomach problems (e.g., pyloric stenosis), liver disease, any allergies you may have (especially to aspirin-like medication (salicylates). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of any antibiotics. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.