Aminosalicylates

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Aminosalicylates	Salofalk ® (Mesalazine EC); Pentasa ® (Mesalazine PR); Salofalk ® (Mesalazine) Rectal Foam; Sulfasalazine EC	Adult

Aminosalicylates - Dosage and How to Use

How should Aminosalicylates be used?

Oral 5-ASAs are usually taken twice or three times daily. Your doctor may start with a lower dose to minimize the side effects and increase the dose slowly over time.

Rectal 5-ASAs are usually given once at night, up to two times a day for severe condition.

Higher doses are usually given for acute attacks and lower doses are used to maintain remission.

Improvement in symptoms occur gradually, takes about 6-12 weeks to see effect.

How should it be taken?

Drugs	Route	Administration	Timing with regard to food
Salofalk ® (Mesalazine) Rectal Foam	Rectal	Refer to Mesalazine Rectal Foam PIL
Pentasa ® (Mesalazine PR) tablet	Oral	Swallow whole; if unable to swallow, tablets can be dissolved in about 50mL of water. Do not crush/chew the small granules	Take with or without food
Salofalk ® (Mesalazine EC) tablet	Oral	Cannot be crush/ chew/ cut. Swallow whole. (Due to pH-dependent release nature of drug). Take with plenty of fluid.	Take 30-60 min before food.
Sulfasalazine EC tablet	Oral	Recommended to swallow whole to prevent gastric side effects. If unable to swallow, tablet can be crushed/cut. Take with plenty of fluid.	Take with or after food to minimize side effects

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same.