• Brand Names: U.S.: Colazal®
• Pharmacologic Category: 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative;Anti-inflammatory Agent

• It is used to treat ulcerative colitis.
• It may take 2 months to see the full effect.
• Balsalazide lowers irritation and swelling.

How to take

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce. Do not chew.

Missed Dose

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to balsalazide or any other part of this drug.
• If you have an allergy to aspirin.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Precautions

• If you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Loose stools.
• Muscle pain.

Monitoring

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with the doctor.

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very loose stools.
• Not able to eat.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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