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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Dipentum and Equivalent

Dipentum Information

Dipentum (Olsalazine) is used to treat acute ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine, characterized by inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, and bleeding. It is also used to maintain remission in ulcerative colitis and to prevent further flare-ups. It is typically used as an effective alternative for people who can't tolerate sulfasalazine, usually due to a sulfa allergy or other sensitivities. According to clinical studies, Dipentum is effective in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis, particularly among patients intolerant to sulfasalazine. Clinical trials showed that it significantly reduced relapse rates compared with placebo and was as efficacious as sulfasalazine.

The active ingredient, olsalazine sodium, belongs to the aminosalicylate (5-ASA) class of anti-inflammatory drugs. It works as a prodrug which remains mostly inactive and unabsorbed as it passes through the upper digestive tract. Once it reaches the large intestine, colonic bacteria cleave the olsalazine molecule into two active molecules of mesalamine. This targeted delivery allows the medicine to work topically on the lining of the colon.

In the gut, it blocks the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which helps reduce the overactive immune response in the gut. This localized anti-inflammatory action allows the damaged tissue to heal and, more importantly, prevents the frequent, debilitating flare-ups of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea associated with the disease.

Dipentum Side Effects

Like all medications, olsalazine appears to have a range of possible side effects. Some mild side effects of this medication include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, bloating, joint pain, decreased interest in sexual activity, tingling, numbness, or pins and needles sensations in the extremities, loss of appetite. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms like fever, severe rash, swollen lymph glands, flu-like symptoms;
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Heart problems such as chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing;
• Kidney problems with symptoms like significant change in how much you urinate, blood in urine;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain;
• Lung problems with symptoms such as persistent cough, difficulty in breathing;
• Worsening diarrhea containing blood, fever, skin rash, abdominal cramps, and nausea due to acute intolerance syndrome

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Dipentum Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to olsalazine, aspirin, other ingredients in Dipentum, or any other medicines, especially sulfonamide-containing drugs. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active viral or bacterial infection;
• Asthma;
• Bleeding problems;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver problems;
• Nasal polyps;
• Pancreas problems

Dipentum can increase susceptibility to severe sunburn. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. While this medication can be safely taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor before doing so. Breastfeeding mothers are also advised to watch out for signs of adverse effects in their babies, such as diarrhea and vomiting. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Drugs like warfarin or heparin can have their effects abnormally increased when used along with Dipentum, which might increase your risk of bleeding. Likewise, if you're on 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine, taking Dipentum may reduce your white blood cell count, increasing the risk of serious infections. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with olsalazine.

Take Dipentum tablets orally as prescribed or as stated in the medication pack. Typically, the standard maintenance dose is 500 mg twice daily, but your doctor might adjust this based on how you respond. Take this medication with food or immediately after meals to reduce the risk of side effects. Also, ensure that you drink sufficient water while taking this medication. Use this medication regularly as prescribed for optimal effectiveness. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Dipentum?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Dipentum.