What is Pentasa?

Pentasa (mesalamine) affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea. Pentasa is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease in adults. Pentasa is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease from recurring. Mesalamine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It works by stopping the body from producing a certain substance that may cause inflammation. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily.
• If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, you may take it with or without food. If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, take it with meals..
• Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on applesauce or yogurt before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach blockage (such as pyloric stenosis), skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema).

Also be aware that:

• This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Increased abdominal pain/cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever.
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, chest pain, shortness of breath.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q:What happens if I miss a dose?

A:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Pentasa?

A: Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids may decrease the efficacy of Pentasa.