Olsalazine (Dipentum)

• Type of Drug: Bowel anti-inflammatory.
• Prescribed for: Treating and maintaining ulcerative colitis.

Olsalazine (Dipentum) General Information

This drug is broken down to an anti-inflammatory compound, Mesalamine, after it enters the colon. Mesalamine acts as an anti-inflammatory agent inside the bowel and is effective for ulcerative colitis. Little (10 to 30 percent) of Mesalamine is absorbed into the blood; 70 to 90 percent of it remains in the colon, where it works on your colitis. People who cannot take Sulfasalazine may be able to take Olsalazine.

Cautions and Warnings

Do not take this product if you are allergic to it, Mesalamine, or Aspirin (or Aspirin-related compounds) because the active metabolic product of Olsalazine is closely related to Aspirin.

Olsalazine (Dipentum) Possible Side Effects

• Most common: diarrhea and stomach cramps or pain.
• Less common: muscle aches, headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, depression, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, depression, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, respiratory infections, and skin rash or itching.

Many other side effects have been reported, but their link to Olsalazine has not been well established.

Drug Interactions

None known.

Food Interactions

Take this drug with food or meals to reduce stomach upset.

Usual Dose

1000 mg a day divided into 2 doses.

Olsalazine (Dipentum) Overdosage

Overdose symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Overdose victims should be made to vomit with Syrup of Ipecac (available at any pharmacy) to remove any remaining medicine from their stomach. Call your local poison control center or emergency room before giving the Ipecac. Then take the victim to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS take the medicine bottle with you.

Special Information

Call your doctor if you develop fever, pale skin, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, yellow eyes or skin, or if your colitis gets worse. Other symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pains, upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, should be reported if they become particularly bothersome or severe.

If you forget a dose of Olsalazine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take one dose right away and another in 5 or 6 hours, then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Olsalazine (Dipentum) Special Populations

Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
Olsalazine has caused birth defects in lab animals. Olsalazine should not be taken unless its possible benefits have been carefully weighed against its risks.
Olsalazine and Mesalamine pass into breast milk, but the importance of this is not known. Nursing mothers should consult their doctors and exercise caution.

Seniors
Seniors may use this drug without special restriction.