Pentasa Slow Release Tablets (mesalamine) are designed to reduce the inflammation, pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions are also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

This product's active ingredient, mesalamine (also called mesalazine), is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. In reducing the inflammation associated with IBD, other symptoms are minimized.

Pentasa Slow Release Tablets are actually a group of microgranules held together with a tableting material for easy swallowing. Tablets must not be chewed or crushed, but they can be placed in water to dissolve the tableting material, leaving only microgranules. The microgranules should be swallowed whole with the water; do not chew them.

Alternatively, for those who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, one can skip the dissolving-in-water step and simply buy Pentasa granules.

Who Should Use Pentasa Slow Release Tablets

Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis will ideally have been identified by a doctor. In doing so, it's possible the doctor has identified the exact areas affected.

In the vast majority of Crohn's disease cases Pentasa Slow Release Tablets will provide benefit.

Ulcerative colitis is a little more complicated; tablets will provide benefit in all cases, but depending on which portion of the bowel is affected, other formulations---Pentasa Enemas or suppositories---may be a little more beneficial. Namely, if the patient suffers from distal ulcerative colitis or ulcerative proctitis, the enema or suppository may provide greater relief. For other variations, if ulcerative colitis is affecting other areas, or other areas as well as the lower bowel or rectum, Pentasa Slow Release Tablets will provide greater benefit.

Most patients with IBD suffer flare-ups, or active episodes in which pain, discomfort, diarrhea, and other symptoms can be quite disruptive, followed by periods of remission when the condition produces few or no symptoms. Pentasa Slow Release Tablets can help in both cases; can send active episodes into remission and help maintain remission so active episodes occur less frequently.

Diet and other medications may further enhance results.

Treatment Guidelines

Treatment with tablets depends to some degree on whether treating an active episode or maintaining remission.

To treat an active episode:

• Take 4 g (4000 mg) once per day.
• Alternatively, according to doctor instructions and/or patient response, dosage may be divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses taken throughout the day.
• Benefits will be felt within a few days to 2 weeks of starting treatment.
• Treatment should continue until the condition is in remission.

When in remission:

• Take 2 g (2000 mg) once per day.
• Treatment should continue for as long it provides benefit, assuming no adverse effects develop.

A doctor may advise a different dosage according to personal variables, such as weight or other medications being taken. The above guidelines work for the majority of patients, however.

Pentasa Slow Release Tablets will not, unfortunately, cure either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If treatment ends active episodes will likely resume. Patients are usually also advised to make dietary adjustments, avoiding foods that aggravate the condition. Staying hydrated is important, particularly when experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

Use of this product in children has not been studied, and should be avoided without doctor involvement. Use in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers can continue with doctor approval. It is known the medication crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk, but it is not thought to be harmful.

Precautions

Some individuals are at increased risk of severe side effects from Pentasa Slow Release Tablets; do not use this product if:

• Allergic to aspirin or any salicylates
• Suffering severe kidney or liver issues

More common side effects are not cause for concern unless severe or persistant, and are often very similar to those caused by IBD, including:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort

Though very rare, some individuals do experience serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if experiencing:

• Symptoms of kidney problems - brown or dark urine, changes in volume and frequency of urination.
• Symptoms of a blood disorder - Unexplained bleeding, bruising, skin rash, fever.
• Allergic reaction - hives, swelling of limbs or face, difficulty breathing, rapid or erratic heartbeat.

The vast majority of patients take Pentasa Slow Release Tablets without any issues. The medication sends active episodes into remission, easing the pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms associated with IBD, and helps keep the condition in remission with minimal to no symptoms.