Aminosalicylates
Several varieties of aminosalicylates exist, both in brand name and in their active ingredient. Balsalazide disodium is branded Colazal, while olsalazine sodium is known as Dipentum and sulfasalazine goes by Azulfidine. The drug mesalamine has several brand names, including Rowasa, Pentasa, Asacol, and Lialda.
Aminosalicylates are considered “maintenance” drugs for Crohn’s patients, and include both orally and rectally administered treatments. They act by reducing inflammation in the gut and many are intended for long-term use in patients. Some have side-effects that mimic Crohn’s-like symptoms, so care should be taken between patient and doctor to adjust dosages periodically as the disease level warrants.
Certain versions of these medications are used to treat disease in specific portions of the gastrointestinal tract; for example, Colazal is a timed-release medication that treats inflammation primarily in the large bowel. Enema and suppository versions of these medications are used for disease affecting the lower portion of the large bowel.
Comments
Comment from crohner
Time: October 16, 2009, 2:28 pm
I did go on mesalamine early in my bout with this disease as well, but being that I was 19 at the time and still living under my parents’ roof, I stopped taking the drug after my mom heard about some kind of muscle spasms or seizures that happened to people who took it. This is something that I’m sure is extremely rare, but nevertheless I took her advice at the time. I do remember it being a lot of pills though. My one suggestion to you, Jack, would be to keep track of what you eat and try to see if certain types of foods trigger your attacks. Not enough emphasis is placed on diet as it relates to Crohn’s in the medical communtiy, IMHO. Best of luck to you Jack.
Comment from Jack Rennie
Time: October 13, 2009, 7:05 pm
I have finally been diagnosed with Crohns afer a number of years without any diagnosis. My symtoms are atypocal therefore the confusion. I have severe attacks that only occur every three to four months. During that time I become violently ill with nasuea, extreme and very painful cramping that last for about 18 hours without letup. Nothing helps. Nothing. I do not have diarrhea nor do I have any bleeding. The symtons reside after this time but I am left very weak for a day or two., I have had a number of tests including upper GI, several colonoscopys, nuculear examination of my liver and pancreas, Xrays, barrium you name it. I have had no releaf until the last doctor diagnosed Crohns and prescribed Mesalamine 250MG, 4pills 4 times a day to be taken regularly from now on. I just could not accept taking that many pills forever although I know sometimes it may be neccessary so I have only taken them when I feel an attack coming on. Eureka! Praise the Lord! , the last two times I have had an attack the pills work!!!! I take maybe 16 of them and the attack is not nearly as bad or painful. I am weakened but I do not get really sick. I hope this continues to work. If anyone else has anything similar to what I have hopefully this will be of help to them also. Thanks for you website. Jack