MedlinePlus Drug Information: Olsalazine

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Olsalazine

(ole sal' a zeen)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Olsalazine, an anti-inflammatory medicine, is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the bowel is inflamed. Olsalazine reduces the bowel inflammation, diarrhea (stool frequency), rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Olsalazine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day after meals or with food to prevent stomach upset. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take olsalazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking olsalazine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olsalazine, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking osalazine, call your doctor.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Olsalazine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Olsalazine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

stomach upset
bloating
loss of appetite
blurred vision
headache
pain in joints
dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
chest pain
diarrhea
unusual bleeding or bruising

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to olsalazine.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Dipentum®

Last Revised - 04/01/2000
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer