Balsalazide reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation in the colon (bowel). Balsalazide is used to treat active ulcerative colitis. Balsalazide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to balsalazide or to salicylates (such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan`s Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).
Before taking balsalazide, tell your doctor if you have a stomach disorder called pyloric stenosis, kidney disease, or an infection that you are treating with antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse after you start taking balsalazide.
Balsalazide may interact with antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you need to take an antibiotic during treatment with balsalazide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using balsalazide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
worsening colitis symptoms, such as fever, stomach pain, cramps, or bloody diarrhea;
bleeding from your rectum; or
pale skin, easy bruising, weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, sleep problems (insomnia);
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
runny nose, cold symptoms; or
joint pain.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Balsalazide can be taken with or without food.
Balsalazide is for short-term use only. Do not take this medication for longer than 12 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse after you start taking balsalazide. Store balsalazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
