OLSALAZINE SODIUM
| OLSALAZINE SODIUM (ol-sal'a-zeen) Dipentum Classifications: mucous membrane; antiinflammatory agent; Therapeutic: antiinflammatory; gi Prototype: Mesalamine Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
250 mg capsules
Action
Converted to 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) by colonic bacteria. The 5-ASA is absorbed slowly, resulting in a very high local concentration in the colon. 5-ASA inhibits prostaglandin production in the colon, thus leading to anti-inflammatory properties of the drug.
Therapeutic Effect
5-ASA has antiinflammatory activity in ulcerative colitis.
Uses
Maintenance therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Unlabeled Uses
Acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to salicylates or 5-ASA; pregnancy (category C).
Cautious Use
Patients with preexisting kidney disease; lactation. Safety and effectiveness in children are not established.
Route & Dosage
| Ulcerative Colitis Adult: PO 500 mg b.i.d., may increase up to 1.5–3 g/d in 2–4 divided doses |
Administration
Oral- Give with food in two evenly divided doses.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
CNS: Headache. GI: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, bloating. Skin: Rash. Body as a Whole: Arthralgia.Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: 1–3% from GI tract; high colonic concentrations are associated with efficacy. Metabolism: Olsalazine, a prodrug, is composed of 2 molecules of 5-ASA; colonic bacterial azo-reductases break the azo bond, releasing 2 active molecules of 5-ASA. Elimination: Primarily in feces as 5-ASA. Half-Life: At least 6 h.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor kidney function in patients with preexisting renal disease.
- Monitor for S&S of a hypersensitivity reaction (see Appendix F). Withhold olsalazine and notify physician at first sign of an allergic response.
Patient & Family Education
- Report diarrhea, a possible adverse effect, to the physician.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug