Pentasa Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, colon, and rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and sores. Symptoms vary depending on the individual, but the most common complaints include diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, patients may develop anemia.

Since this is a chronic condition, patients will likely experience symptoms throughout their life, although there may be prolonged periods of remission.

Pentasa Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Pentasa is mesalamine. It helps to reduce tissue damage and inflammation and controls symptoms of diarrhea.

Generic Pentasa  Alternative

Generic alternatives to  Pentasa  are not yet available on this website. 

General Drug Information

What is Pentasa and What Is It Used For?

Pentasa is prescribed to patients to treat ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease. It decreases swelling of the colon and helps reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and rectal bleeding.

Usage and Application

Most patients are prescribed Pentasa four times daily. The dosage is prescribed by a doctor, based on a patient’s condition and response to treatment.

Those taking Pentasa via capsule form may take it with or without food. Patients using the tablet form should take this drug with meals.

It is important to swallow Pentasa whole. Do not break, crush or chew this medication as this can interfere with the drug being properly released in the colon.

Patients who have trouble swallowing the capsule may open it and sprinkle its contents on yogurt or applesauce. It is important to swallow all of the mixtures without chewing. Consume the mixture as soon as you prepare it and do not prepare in advance.

Patients should use Pentasa regularly in order to get the full benefit from this drug. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day. This helps to remember to take doses regularly.

Considerations Before Taking Pentasa

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to mesalamine, the active ingredient in Pentasa, or to other substances of the same class such as balsalazide and olsalazine. Patients should alert their physician if they are allergic to salicylates like aspirin and salsalate, or to a substance called sulfasalazine which is often sold under the brand name Azulfidine.

Patients should discuss their medical history, especially any kidney or liver disease. Pyloric stenosis, a condition involving a stomach blockage, should also be mentioned.

Patients about to undergo surgery or dental procedures need to inform their doctor or dentist of all medications and supplements they are taking.

Pentasa is similar to aspirin and can have serious effects on children or teenagers with chickenpox, flu or any undiagnosed illnesses. In these circumstances, Pentasa and salicylates such as aspirin can cause a rare but form of encephalopathy known as Reye's syndrome. Pentasa and salicylates should not be given to children or teenagers who have recently been vaccinated.

Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of continuing Pentasa treatment with their doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Pentasa should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Pentasa

Drug interactions may change the way Pentasa works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Pentasa, is very similar to balsalazide and olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Do not use Pentasa with medicines containing balsalazide (e.g. Colazal), olsalazine (e.g. Dipentum), and sulfasalazine (e.g. Azulfidine).

Pentasa may interfere with laboratory tests which measure urine normetanephrine levels. Patients should alert their doctor or laboratory personnel to the possibility of false test results.

Adverse Reactions

The most common side effects of taking Pentasa include diarrhea, headache or vomiting. Patients should tell their doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.

Most people can safely use Pentasa without negative side effects. In some rare cases, this medication can worsen ulcerative colitis. Patients should immediately report symptoms such as increased abdominal pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea or fever to their doctor.

Serious side effects include kidney problems which may manifest as changes in the amount of urine or dark urine. Patients should also monitor for persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Serious allergic reactions to Pentasa are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Pentasa

Pentasa should be stored at room temperature away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Pentasa Coupon

Although Pentasa coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.