What Is Pentasa Used For?

Pentasa, also known by the generic name mesalamine, is a drug used to treat ulcerative colitis. That's a type of bowel disease characterized by diarrhea, stomach pain and rectal bleeding caused by swelling and inflammation of the colon and rectum.

Function

• Pentasa is an anti-inflammatory drug. Its mode of action is not known, but it's believed to block the production of certain chemicals that cause the pain and swelling. Pentasa is not a cure for ulcerative colitis, but it's one of the best treatments available.

History

• Pentasa was developed and patented by the Hoechst Marion Roussel Company. In April 1998, the U.S. rights were acquired and it was patented by Shire Pharmaceuticals. It was given FDA approval for use in treating ulcerative colitis in July 2004.

Features

• The recommended dosage of Pentasa is 1g, 4 times daily for the remission and symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It's available in 250mg and 500mg capsules. It's supplied in a timed release gelatin shell and should not be opened or crushed when taken. Pentasa can be taken by mouth, with or without food. It is best to take the drug at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. Dosage is based on your response to therapy.

Warnings

• Mild side effects that have been noted are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia. These side effects should go away within a few days of starting treatment. If these conditions worsen or persist for more than 2 weeks, notify your pharmacist or physician. Many times if the side effects are mild, your physician will have you continue taking the drug, because the benefits far outweigh the risk. If you experience severe cramping, worsening bloody diarrhea or fever, contact your physician immediately. If you experience chest pain, a fast pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, dark-colored urine, persistent vomiting and diarrhea or yellowing of the eyes or skin, contact your physician or proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Insight

• You should not take Pentasa if you are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients. Be sure to tell your physician or pharmacist if you have a history of kidney disease, liver problems, asthma, peritonitis (inflammation of the sac that contains the heart) or pancreatitis. This medication should not be taken by children because it could cause Reye's syndrome--a rare but very serious illness. Before using this medication, tell your physician or pharmacist about any and all medications, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements you may be taking so you can be monitored for possible interactions. If you miss a dose and it's near the time that you should have taken it, go ahead and take it; if it's well past the time you should have taken it, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing time. Don't take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.