Asacol

Asacol product description

Drug uses

Asacol is an aminosalicylate drug used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Asacol tablets are indicated in pediatric patients (aged 5 and above), adults and elders for treatment and prophylaxis of:

• Crohn's ileitis and colitis
• Mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis

Asacol provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, reduces intestinal inflammation by inhibition of prostaglandin production in the rectum and by blocking of cyclooxygenase activity (an enzyme involved in prostaglandin synthesis).

The characteristic feature of Asacol comparing to other aminosalicylates is its good tolerance and ability to significantly reduce the risk of relapse in Crohn's disease. The recommended adult dose of Asacol in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis is 2.4 grams per day (2 tablets of Asacol three times a day) for 6 weeks.

To maintain remission of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, the recommended dose of Asacol is 1.6 grams per day. The dose of Asacol for children is calculated based on the child's body weight and disease severity. The maximum pediatric dose should not exceed 2.4 grams per day.

Missed dose

During treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, the patients should comply with the prescribed dosage regimen, and try to avoid skipping any pill of the anti-inflammatory drug. However, if the patient forgot to take a dose of the aminosalicylate drug, it should be taken as soon as possible.

To double a dose of the antimicrobial is not recommended. The patient is advised to skip a missed dose, if it is nearly time for the next dose of Asacol. Further treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is conducted under the regular dosage of Asacol.

More information

Asacol can be taken regardless of meals, the pills should be swallowed whole, not split or chewed. To avoid any reduction in the therapeutic efficacy of aminosalicylate, Asacol delayed-release tablets should be protected against moisture. Asacol is not recommended to patients during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as aminosalicylate may adversely affect the baby’s intrauterine development and the breastfed child.

Storage

Asacol tablets should be stored in a dry warm place, away from children, in their original package. The recommended storage temperature is from 15°C to 25°C.

Asacol safety information

Warnings

Coadministration of Asacol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other nephrotoxic agents may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. For this reason, extra caution should be taken while indicating Asacol in patients suffering from kidney failure.

Patients with hepatic dysfunction and with mild to moderate renal insufficiency are recommended to take caution whilst taking Asacol. All patients are advised to pass screening of the renal and liver function before starting the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

In patients suffering from pyloric stenosis, Asacol tablets may stay in the stomach for long, so aminosalicylate may reaches the colon later than usual. Coadministration of Asacol with 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine may cause blood disorders, consequently for this reason, their coadministration should be avoided.

Disclaimer
Information about Asacol and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders contained in this review should not be used to replace the gastroenterologist’s consultation. The online pharmacy shall not be liable for consequences of any decisions made or actions based on the use of the review of anti-inflammatory drug Asacol.

Asacol side effects

Treatment with Asacol is usually well tolerated and does not cause any serious adverse effects. Cases of cessation of the drug Asacol use are reported rarely, because all adverse effects, caused by this drug, are characterized by mild transient nature.

Sometimes, while taking Asacol, certain side effects are experienced, most common of them include gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. In addition, dizziness, headache and rash can be observed as well.

Cough, nasopharyngitis and sinusitis are considered as the most frequent adverse effects, which may appear in children during treatment with Asacol. Adults also may experience back pain, eructation, rhinitis, and nausea.