Asacol

Asacol is a prescription medication used to manage and treat inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis. Its active ingredient is mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid), which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the colon's lining. Mesalamine decreases inflammation in the colon, helping to relieve symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Asacol is available in various strengths, but is most commonly prescribed in 400 mg delayed-release tablet strengths. It is typically taken orally with or without food, as instructed by a healthcare provider. The medication dosage depends on the patient’s age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Adults and children over 5 years old may be prescribed Asacol, but it is not suitable for everyone. Its delayed-release formulation allows the medicine to work directly in the colon, offering localized treatment for inflammation.

Similar to other drugs, it can cause certain temporary side effects, which may include nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, or flatulence. In rare instances, more adverse effects, such as kidney problems or worsening of colitis symptoms, may occur. Patients are advised to tell their doctor if they have any allergies or kidney/liver issues before starting treatment. A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it's close to the next scheduled dose. Never double the dose to make up for missed ones. An overdose requires immediate medical intervention. Asacol should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture and heat. Follow all medical instructions carefully, and do not stop using the medicine without consulting a healthcare provider. To buy Asacol at low costs, use discount coupons.

It is used for the following purposes:

• Treating mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in patients aged 5 years and older.
• Maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis in adults.

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Asacol?

It is available in the form of delayed-release tablets, which come in the following strengths:

• 400 mg
• 800 mg

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Asacol?

Dose for Treating Ulcerative Colitis

• Adults: The recommended Asacol dose is 800 mg thrice daily for six weeks.
• Children aged five and above: The medication dosage is based on body weight, and your doctor should help determine it. The typical pediatric dose may include:
  • Children weighing 54-90kg: 1200mg in the morning, followed by 1200 mg in the afternoon for six weeks.
  • Children weighing 33-54kg: 1200mg in the morning, with or without food, then 800mg in the afternoon for six weeks.
  • Children weighing 17-33kg: The recommended dosage is 800mg in the morning, followed by 400mg in the afternoon for six weeks.
• Children less than five years of age: A licensed healthcare professional should determine the usage and dosage.

Dose for Preventing Ulcerative Colitis

• Adults: 1600mg daily, taken in two or four divided doses.
• Pediatric patients: Your doctor should determine the usage and dosage.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they'll customize your dosage accordingly.]

• Before taking Asacol for the first time, each time you get your prescription refilled, refer to the patient information leaflet & if available, the medication guide. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the medicine use or have difficulty understanding any part of the leaflet, ask your doctor.
• You should use Asacol exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, in large quantities, or more often, as it can cause more harm than good.
• This drug can affect certain medical test results. Make sure to tell your dentist and surgeon that you are using Asacol.
• You can take Asacol delayed-release tablets with or without food. Make sure to swallow the tablets as a whole. Do not chew, crush, or break them. Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing the tablets.
• Undissolved tablets may be found in your stool after your body has absorbed them. If you frequently find undissolved tablets in your stool, inform your doctor.
• Let your doctor know if your symptoms do not get better or if they worsen.
• You may require frequent blood tests, particularly kidney function and blood cell count, to ensure that this medicine is not causing any adverse outcomes.
• Do not discontinue using Asacol without first talking to your doctor. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if you start to feel better within a few days. Do not skip any doses.
• You should drink plenty of water so you will urinate more frequently to help prevent kidney issues.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They'll adjust it as needed over time.]

Asacol contains mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat ulcerative colitis. It functions by decreasing inflammation in the colon, helping to alleviate symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Mesalamine works directly in the digestive tract by restricting the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which contribute to irritation and swelling. The delayed-release formulation ensures that the medication reaches the right areas of the colon for effective relief. By controlling inflammation, Asacol helps patients stay in remission and prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.

Common side effects: Similar to other drugs, Asacol may cause certain temporary side effects in some users. Not everyone using this medicine will experience these side effects, and most of these side effects usually resolve on their own within a few days as your body starts to adjust to this drug. However, if these persist or become worrisome, inform your doctor. Common side effects of Asacol include:

• Headache: This is one of the most common side effects of Asacol, which may be due to the body’s adjustment to the drug or its effects on the central nervous system. In certain cases, headaches may indicate salicylate toxicity, especially if accompanied by symptoms like nausea, confusion, or dizziness. To manage this, you should ensure adequate hydration and rest. If you have a severe headache, you can use over-the-counter pain relief medicines after consulting your doctor.
• Nausea: Nausea occurs in a subset of patients taking Asacol, potentially due to gastrointestinal irritation or systemic drug absorption. It may also be an early sign of salicylate toxicity.​ To manage this, take Asacol on an empty stomach, and if it persists, talk to your doctor for possible adjustments or alternative treatments.
• Stomach pain: Abdominal discomfort or pain may happen due to the irritation caused by this medicine of the gastrointestinal lining or a hypersensitivity reaction. In some cases, it can also indicate mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome, a condition that mimics a flare-up of ulcerative colitis. You should watch for signs like bloody diarrhea, fever, or rash while being treated with Asacol. Discontinue the use of this drug if these symptoms occur and seek medical assistance.
• Diarrhea: This is a common side effect associated with the use of Asacol, possibly resulting from the medication's impact on intestinal motility or its irritant effect on the bowel. It can also be a manifestation of mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome. To prevent and manage this, follow a bland diet and ensure adequate hydration. Avoid dairy products & high-fiber foods that can exacerbate symptoms. If diarrhea is persistent or severe, contact your doctor.
• Infection in the nose/throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms: Some individuals may experience symptoms resembling a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose and sore throat. These symptoms might be due to the medication's effects on the immune system or a hypersensitivity reaction.​ To help alleviate such symptoms, you should rest properly and seek supportive care. If these symptoms continue or become worse, consult a healthcare professional.
• Constipation: Constipation can occur, potentially as a result of the medication's effects on bowel motility or as a side effect of the drug itself. Its management includes proper hydration, consumption of fiber, and engaging in regular physical activity. If constipation becomes problematic, talk to your doctor.
• Dizziness: Some users may experience dizziness while taking Asacol, possibly due to the medicine’s effects on the central nervous system or dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea. To manage this, ensure proper hydration and avoid sudden position changes. If dizziness persists, talk to your doctor.
• Rash: Skin reactions, including rashes, can occur and may range from mild to severe. In rare cases, mesalamine can cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. If a rash develops, monitor for other symptoms like fever or blistering. Seek medical attention promptly if these occur. Your healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing Asacol and considering alternative treatments.
• Abnormal liver function tests: Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Asacol, can affect liver function, causing elevated liver enzymes. In rare instances, this can progress to more severe liver conditions. To manage this, regularly monitor your liver function through blood tests while being treated with this medicine, and if abnormalities are detected, tell your healthcare provider.
• Flatulence: Increased gas production can occur, likely due to changes in intestinal flora or the medication's impact on digestion. To manage this, avoid food that can cause gas, and if symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.

Severe side effects: In rare instances, Asacol can cause severe side effects in some of its users. These adverse reactions require prompt medical attention and may become fatal if not treated at once. Immediately report the given serious side effects to your doctor and consult with them beforehand if you have any concerns regarding the medicine use. Severe Asacol side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions: This medicine can cause allergic reactions, including DRESS, a certain kind of allergic reaction that can affect multiple body parts, including your kidneys, liver, and heart. You should immediately discontinue using Asacol and seek immediate medical help if you experience a racing heartbeat, itching, wheezing, rashes, fever, general feeling of illness, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, joint pain, facial swelling, jaundice, or stomach cramps.
• Severe skin reactions: Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Asacol, can cause severe skin reactions like SJS or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN or toxic epidermal necrolysis, and AGEP or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, which may even cause death if left untreated. If you develop a rash, stop using Asacol and call your healthcare provider immediately. Seek medical help if you have the following symptoms:
  • Painful skin that is red or purple in color and peels off
  • Blisters on your mouth, nose, or genitals
  • Red or painful, watery eyes
• Inflammation of the muscle of the heart: Also known as myocarditis, this condition happens when your heart muscles become inflamed or irritated. This can further affect the ability of your heart to pump blood. This medicine can cause the immune system to cause more inflammation around the heart muscle. Call your doctor at once if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or wheezing.
• Renal issues: This medicine can cause swelling of a small part of the filters present in the kidneys called tubules. This condition, tubulointerstitial nephritis, can affect how well your kidneys work. You should stop using this drug and get in touch with your doctor at once if you have a fever, nausea/vomiting, rash, hypertension, confusion, swelling throughout your body, weight gain, irregular mood swings, or drowsiness.
• Kidney stones: This medicine may cause kidney stones. Inform your healthcare provider if you have blood in your urine or develop severe pain in your back or side. Your urine may also appear red, brown, or pink.
• Worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms: This medicine can worsen your symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which may happen due to a reaction to the drug. It may be difficult to tell if your symptoms are caused by the medicine or the condition. Let your doctor know if your conditions worsen while using this medicine. These may include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, pain, fever, headache, skin itching, rashes, pink eye, or bloody diarrhea.

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

There are certain warnings that people should take into consideration while using this product. For Asacol, the key points of the warning include:

• Allergy: Patients should not use this product if they have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin, mesalamine, salicylates, or sulfasalazine. Immediately call your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rapid heartbeat, rash, itching, or skin redness, as these may be symptoms of an allergic reaction to this drug.
• Renal Issues: Asacol delayed-release tablets may cause severe renal issues, including kidney stones. Contact your doctor immediately if you have lower back pain or side pain, reduced frequency or amount of urine, bloody urine, increased thirst, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, unusual fatigue, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or weight gain.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Asacol can cause severe skin reactions, including SJS or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, TEN or toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Call your doctor if you have chest pain, cough, diarrhea, blistering, peeling of the skin, black tarry stools, joint or muscle pain, or red, irritated eyes.
• Severe Hepatic Issues: Consult your doctor at once if you have pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen, pale stools, dark urine, reduced appetite, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or nausea/vomiting, as these symptoms could indicate a serious liver problem.
• Photosensitivity: Asacol can increase your sensitivity to light and may cause unwanted skin reactions. The risk is higher if you have an existing skin condition, such as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. Get in touch with your doctor at once if you have increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, severe sunburn, itching, redness, or other discoloration of the skin, or severe skin rash. To prevent this, you should use sunscreen when you are outdoors and avoid using sunlamps & tanning beds while you are being treated with this medicine.

Before using Asacol, you should talk to your doctor and take certain precautions to make sure it is safe for you to use. These may include:

• Medical History: To ensure Asacol is safe for you, share your entire medical & family history with your doctor, especially if you have or have ever had the following:
  • Renal issues, including kidney stones
  • Hepatic disease
  • Blockage in your intestines or stomach, like pyloric stenosis
  • Skin conditions, including eczema
• Pregnancy: Inform your doctor or medical professional if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or suspect a pregnancy before using this medicine. It is still unknown if mesalamine will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled or untreated ulcerative colitis while being pregnant may cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating the condition may outweigh any risks to the baby.
• Breastfeeding: It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Asacol. Ask your doctor about any risks. If you are breastfeeding an infant while using this medicine, tell your doctor immediately if you observe diarrhea in your baby.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Individuals with pyloric stenosis may have delayed release of this medicine in their colon due to prolonged gastric retention of Asacol delayed-release tablets.
• Exacerbations of Symptoms: Some people using Asacol have reported exacerbations of their colitis symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, fever, diarrhea, headache, malaise, pruritus, rash, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually resolve on their own once they have discontinued using this medicine.
• Use Cautiously: Patients with a known renal dysfunction or a history of renal disease should use Asacol cautiously. Some patients using this medicine have reported renal impairment, like minimal change nephropathy, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and rarely, kidney failure. Patients need to have their renal function evaluated before starting treatment with Asacol and periodically during treatment with this medicine.
• Hepatic Failure: Some patients have reported hepatic failure due to Asacol use, especially those who have pre-existing liver disease. Caution should be taken when administering Asacol to people with liver disease.
• Use in Children: The safety & efficacy of this medicine has not been established in pediatric patients. Hence, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use.
• Elderly Patients: Caution is advised in geriatric patients due to the greater frequency of reduced hepatic, renal, or heart function, as well as concomitant disease or other pharmacological therapy.

• If you have missed a dose of mesalamine, take it as soon as you think of it unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
• Take only the scheduled dose and omit the missed one in that case.
• Do not simultaneously take double or extra dosages of the same medicine to make up for the missed dose.
• If you often forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time, set a medicine reminder on your mobile phone or mark your calendar.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you still cannot determine when to take your missed dose.

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

An overdose of Asacol (mesalamine) can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or even more severe effects like kidney issues or blood disorders. If you suspect an Asacol overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage & consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

• Keep Asacol at a controlled temperature, in its original packaging, to protect it from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• You can expose it to slightly higher temperatures for shorter periods, such as when transporting it.
• Do not keep it in the bathroom or other places with high humidity, as moisture can affect some medicines.
• Keep Asacol in a safe place, such as a medicine cabinet, away from the sight and reach of kids & pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Certain medicines may affect how Asacol works or cause unwanted side effects. To prevent & manage potential Asacol interactions, tell your doctor beforehand about all the products you are currently using or plan to use alongside this drug, including all prescriptions, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and vitamin supplements. If your doctor identifies any potential drug interaction, they may alter your dose of one or both medicines or suggest an alternative treatment option. Some of the drugs that may interact with this medicine may include:

• Acemetacin
• Amtolmetin Guacil
• Azathioprine
• Balsalazide
• Bromfenac
• Bufexamac
• Celecoxib
• Clonixin
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Diclofenac
• Diflunisal
• Dipyrone
• Droxicam
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Felbinac
• Fenoprofen
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Floctafenine
• Furosemide
• Ibuprofen
• Ketoprofen
• Levoketoconazole
• Loxoprofen
• Lumiracoxib
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic Acid
• Meloxicam
• Mercaptopurine
• Methotrexate
• Morniflumate
• Nabumetone
• Naproxen
• Nepafenac
• Niflumic Acid
• Nimesulide
• Oxaprozin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Parecoxib
• Phenylbutazone
• Phenyl Salicylate
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam
• Proglumetacin
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Rofecoxib
• Salicylamide
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Sodium Salicylate
• Sulfasalazine
• Sulindac
• Tamarind
• Tenoxicam
• Trolamine Salicylate
• Valdecoxib
• Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Warfarin

What Are the Other Asacol Interactions?

You should avoid using certain medicines at or around the same time as consuming certain herbs, supplements, beverages, or food items. Consuming alcohol or tobacco can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your doctor if you use alcohol, tobacco, or certain food items. If your doctor finds any significant interaction, they may suggest you make certain dietary or lifestyle changes. Apart from this, the presence of certain other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Ensure you tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have the following medical conditions:

• Allergy to aminosalicylates or salicylates
• Allergy to sulfasalazine
• Skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema
• Kidney disease
• Cardiovascular condition
• Hepatic condition
• Phenylketonuria

[Note: This isn't a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Asacol. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

While Asacol is effective in treating ulcerative colitis, it may not be suitable for all to use due to contraindications or the risk of unwanted side effects. While there are many effective alternatives present on the market, you should not use them without consulting your doctor. Depending on the severity of your condition, age & other factors, they will help you decide the most appropriate treatment option. Some of these substitutes may include:

• Mesalamine
• Lialda (mesalamine)
• Humira (adalimumab)
• Budesonide
• Sulfasalazine
• Azathioprine

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

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