Pentasa Tablet 500mg

About Pentasa Tablet 500mg

Pentasa Tablet 500mg Uses

• Induces and maintains remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis
• Manages mild to moderate active Crohn's disease
• Reduces inflammation of the colon lining in inflammatory bowel disease
• Prevents flare ups when used as long term maintenance therapy

Pentasa Tablet 500mg Benefits

• Targets inflammation directly in the gut lining with localized action
• Helps reduce abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding linked to colitis
• Supports longer symptom free periods when taken consistently
• Available in a controlled release form that works throughout the small and large intestine

What Experts Say

Gastroenterologists prescribe mesalazine because it delivers 5 aminosalicylic acid directly to the inflamed colon lining. It works by blocking cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, lowering prostaglandins and leukotrienes that drive inflammation. This localized action reduces systemic exposure compared with older sulfa based aminosalicylates.

Clinical trials show mesalazine achieves and sustains remission in most patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis at adequate doses. Response depends heavily on regular adherence, since missed doses are a common cause of relapse. The controlled release formulation reaches both the small intestine and colon.

Physicians generally consider mesalazine safer than corticosteroids for long term inflammatory bowel disease management, since it avoids steroid related complications. Periodic kidney function tests are still recommended, as rare interstitial nephritis has been reported with prolonged use. Abrupt discontinuation is discouraged without medical guidance.

Drug Class

• Aminosalicylate (5-ASA compound)

Pentasa Tablet 500mg formula

• Mesalazine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Pentasa Tablet 500mg?

• Take Pentasa tablets exactly as prescribed by your gastroenterologist
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, do not crush or chew it
• Take with or without food, but try to take doses at the same times each day
• Continue the full course even if symptoms improve, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Do not double the dose if you miss one, just take the next dose at the usual time

Drug Interactions

• Azathioprine And 6 Mercaptopurine: Mesalazine may increase the risk of bone marrow suppression when combined with these immunosuppressants
• NSAIDs: Long term use with ibuprofen or similar painkillers may raise the risk of kidney problems and reduce mesalazine's effectiveness
• Warfarin: Mesalazine may enhance the blood thinning effect, requiring closer INR monitoring
• Other Nephrotoxic Drugs: Combining with medicines that affect the kidneys can increase the risk of renal impairment

Risks and warnings

• Kidney Function: Mesalazine has rarely been linked to interstitial nephritis, so doctors may order periodic kidney tests during long term use
• Sulfa Sensitivity: Patients with a known hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates should avoid this medicine
• Mesalazine Intolerance: A small number of patients develop a paradoxical worsening of colitis symptoms known as mesalazine intolerance syndrome
• Pregnancy And Breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and under direct medical supervision
• Liver Disease: Caution advised in patients with pre existing liver impairment
• Pericarditis Risk: Rare cases of pericarditis and myocarditis have been reported, seek care if chest pain or breathlessness develops

Pentasa Tablet 500mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever from a hypersensitivity reaction (rare)
• Blood disorders such as a low white cell count (rare)
• Interstitial nephritis or kidney impairment (rare)
• Pancreatitis (rare)
• Hair loss (uncommon)

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack