Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release (mesalamine) helps patients manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The medication helps put the conditions into remission during "active" episodes and helps keep them in remission once there.

An aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug, Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release reduces the inflammation and irritation associated with IBD, which in turn reduces symptoms. In remission, the medication helps prevent the inflammation and irritation from developing in the first place. Granules are very small and easy to swallow even if one has difficulty with tablets.

Each sachet contains granules, which should be placed on the tongue and washed down with fluid. Granules are designed to withstand the acidic stomach environment, passing through to the bowels where they provide the greatest benefit. Patients must swallow the granules whole, as chewing them will make them vulnerable to stomach acid.

Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release can be used in patients age 6 and up, though dosage modification may be required.

How to Use

The vast majority of patients take Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release just once per day, though dosage may vary. Sachets come in 1 g, 2 g, or 4 g doses; which dose is ideal depends largely on whether treating an active episode or maintaining remission, and to some extent on age and body weight.

For active episodes:

• Take 4 g (4000 mg) once per day.
• Continue treatment until the condition is in remission.

Effects will be significant within a few days of starting treatment; for some patients it may take two weeks. The abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, urgent need to "go" and other symptoms should decline until the condition is in remission. Modifying diet---avoiding foods that exacerbate IBD---will also help.

To maintain remission:

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

In remission, IBD seldom produces significant symptoms; keeping the condition in remission is ideal. While those who take Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release may still have the occasional active episode, they should be less frequent, less severe, and easier to resolve than when sachets are not being taken. Some individuals are able to maintain remission indefinitely.

Treating Children & Other Special Populations

Ideally the child dosage of Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release will be determined by a doctor. Definitely seek doctor input for children under 6 years of age. For those at least 6 years old and up, dosage is typically determined by body weight:

• Children who weigh less than 40 kg (88 lbs) should take half the adult dose.
• Children who weigh 40 kg (88 lbs) and up should take the adult dose.

So, a child who weighs 35 kg should be given 2 mg Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release for an active episode and 1 mg to maintain remission.

Elderly patients can take the same dosage as adults provided they have no major kidney or liver damage, which is more likely to be present in the elderly. Elderly patients taking Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release may need to attend more checkups to monitor kidney and liver function.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also consult a doctor. It is known that Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release passes through the placenta and into breast milk; while no negative effects have been found, the scenario is not well-studied.

Potential Side Effects

Though a very safe medication, there are a few other medical conditions and medications that have the potential to cause complications while taking Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release. Speak with a doctor before use if there is a history of:

• Allergy to aspirin or any other salicylates
• Severe kidney or liver issues
• Peptic ulcer
• Bleeding disorders
• Breathing disorders

And other medications which may cause problems include:

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

The above don't necessarily mean Pentasa Sachet Prolonged Release can't be used; dosage modifications of one or more medications may be enough, as well as being alert for side effects. In some cases, however, patients will be told to avoid Pentasa products.

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.