Legal Classification of Medication
POM
Balsalazide sodium can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
Balsalazide sodium is available in capsule form and comes in 750mg strength.
Class of Drug
Balsalazide sodium belongs to a group of drugs called aminosalicylates.
Indications
Balsalazide sodium is used in the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission.
How does it work?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowl disease. Patients who have ulcerative colitis develop ulcers in their large intestine which causes bleeding and diarrhoea. Balsalazide sodium acts in the large intestine as an anti-inflammatory agent reducing the inflammation caused by the disease.
How is it taken?
Capsule should be swallowed before or after food with a glass of water. Treatment for acute attack three capsules should be taken three times a day for up to a maximum of 12 weeks, but treatment duration may extend depending on the symptoms. Maintenance dose is usually two capsules twice daily.
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
Balsalazide sodium should be avoided in pregnancy. Women who are breast feeding can take balsalazide but the infant should be monitored for diarrhoea.
Contra-indications
Balsalazide is contra-indicated in patients with severe liver and kidney impairment. Patients who are hypersensitive to salicylate should avoid taking balsalazide sodium capsules.
Side-effects
Balsalazide sodium can cause particular blood disorders, patients should stop using the medication and see their GP if they experience any of the following symptoms:
