Colorectal disorders:

Indications for: PENTASA

Mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

Adult Dosage:

Swallow whole; may open caps and sprinkle entire contents onto applesauce or yogurt, consume immediately. 1g four times daily for up to 8 weeks.

Children Dosage:

Not established.

PENTASA Warnings/Precautions:

Sulfasalazine allergy. Discontinue if acute intolerance syndrome is suspected. Discontinue at the 1st signs/symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Conditions predisposing to myocarditis or pericarditis. Atopic dermatitis or eczema: may have more severe photosensitivity reactions. Nephrolithiasis. Ensure adequate hydration. Renal or hepatic impairment. History of renal disease. Assess renal function prior to and periodically during therapy. Discontinue if renal function deteriorates while on therapy. Elderly (monitor CBCs, platelets). Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: monitor infants.

PENTASA Classification:

Salicylate.

PENTASA Interactions:

Increased toxicity with nephrotoxic drugs (eg, NSAIDs). Increased risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity. May cause elevated test results in measuring urinary normetanephrine; consider alternative assay.

Adverse Reactions:

Diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, rash; renal impairment, acute intolerance syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (eg, SJS, TEN, DRESS, AGEP).

Generic Drug Availability:

250mg (NO); 500mg (YES)

How Supplied:

Caps 250mg—240; 500mg—120