Pentasa Sachets (mesalamine) provide relief from mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), putting the condition in remission and helping to keep it in remission. IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The medication is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug, which reduces the inflammation associated with IBD, and in turn minimizes or eliminates symptoms of pain or discomfort, diarrhea, urgent need to evacuated the bowels, and so forth.

Pentasa Sachets contain granules, which are placed on the tongue and swallowed whole. Taking with fluid helps wash them down but is not strictly necessary. Granules must not be chewed.

Other formulations of Pentasa include Pentasa Tablets and Pentasa Enemas. Tablets are essentially the same as Pentasa Sachets; the granules are held together with a tableting material for ease of swallowing. Enemas are, as the name implies, a fluid administered directly to the rectum. Enemas work best for individuals with ulcerative colitis in the lower bowel or rectum; it will have minimal effects if the condition is present elsewhere.

Pentasa Sachets are ideal for those who have difficulty or an aversion to swallowing whole tablets, including children. This product can be used in patients age 6 years and up, though dosage for younger patients is smaller and best determined by a doctor.

Treating Active Attacks

IBD fluctuates from remission, with few or no symptoms, to active, with pain, diarrhea, urgent need to evacuate the bowels, and so forth. Pentasa Sachets can help alleviate these symptoms and send the condition into remission.

Treatment is simple:

• Take 4 g (4000 mg) once per day.
• Some patients prefer to take 2 g (2000 mg) twice per day instead.
• Continue treatment until the condition is in remission, at which time treatment should shift to maintenance.

The above works well for the majority of patients. Some individuals may be advised to take lower doses, 2 g or even 1 g per day. Children age 6 and up are typically given half the adult dose if they weigh less than 40 kg (88 lbs) and the adult dose if 40 kg (88 lbs) and up.

Some patients notice rapid improvement, with the condition largely resolved just days after starting treatment. For others it may take up to 2 weeks for full benefit. If no improvements are seen after 2 weeks of treatment, consult a doctor about alternative medications.

Maintaining Remission

Treatment can start during remission or remission may be achieved with Pentasa Sachets. Either way treatment is the same; when in remission:

• Take 2 g (2000 mg) once per day.
• Continue treatment for as long as it provides benefit.

While many patients find Pentasa Sachets keep IBD in remission, some will still experience attacks. Attacks should be less frequent and less severe if Pentasa Sachets were being taken, and are often quickly resolved. If an attack does happen dosage may be increased to 4 g per day until it ends.

Some patients may be instructed to take just 1 g per day, including children age 6 and up who weigh less than 40 kg (88 lbs).

To further help maintain remission patients may want to modify diet. Certain foods often exacerbate IBD and can cause attacks. These foods often include seeds, beans, and some nuts, as well as high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and of course products containing caffeine or other substances that promote bowel movements.

If Pentasa Sachets fail to slow down attacks or attacks become more frequent or more severe while the medication is being taken, stop use and consult a doctor.

Contraindications, Interactions, & Side Effects

As with all Pentasa products, Pentasa Sachets should not be used by those who have a history of:

• Allergy to aspirin or any other salicylates
• Severe kidney or liver issues

Patients should not take Pentasa Sachets without first speaking to a doctor if there is a history of:

• Peptic ulcer
• Bleeding disorders
• Breathing disorders

Pentasa Sachets are unlikely to interact with most medications, but it's always a good idea to make sure the prescribing doctor is aware of what else is being taken. There are three types of medication which are concerning and should definitely be pointed out to the prescribing doctor:

• Medications that suppress the immune system
• Medications that inhibit clotting or thin the blood
• Chemotherapy medications

Most common side effects associated with this medication are difficult to distinguish from symptoms of IBD itself, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. These are not cause for concern unless severe or persistant.