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

Pentasa Extended Release Information

Pentasa Extended Release (Mesalamine/5-AminoSalicylic Acid) is primarily used to induce and maintain remission in patients with inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These are chronic inflammatory conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing painful inflammation and ulcers with symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is used to treat acute flare-ups of these conditions, maintain remission, and prevent further flare-ups.

Its active ingredient is mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid or mesalamine), which belongs to the aminosalicylate class of drugs. It functions as a topical anti-inflammatory in the gut, likely by inhibiting enzymes such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. Unlike other medications in its class that only activate in the colon, Pentasa uses a unique delivery system of ethylcellulose-coated microgranules. This allows the medication to be released continuously, beginning in the small intestine and continuing through the entire large intestine. It coats the gut lining, reducing active inflammation and calming the immune response. This action prevents the recurring flares of bleeding and diarrhea associated with these inflammatory diseases. This broad-reaching release makes it particularly useful for patients whose disease isn't localized to just one part of the bowel.

Pentasa Extended Release Side Effects

While most individuals generally tolerate this medication, it can cause some notable side effects. Some mild side effects include mild abdominal pain, anxiety, irritation of the rectal area, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, joint pain, and hair loss. 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;
• Acute intolerance syndrome with symptoms like worsening abdominal or stomach cramps or pain, bloody diarrhea, chills, and fever;
• Difficulty in breathing, cough, chest pain;
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with symptoms like intense or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears;
• Kidney problems such as a change in the colour or amount of urine produced and swollen limbs, or sudden flank pain;
• Low red blood cells with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, and fever

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

Pentasa Extended Release Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to aspirin, mesalamine, other ingredients in this medication, or any other medicines. 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;
• Blood count disorders, such as low white blood cells;
• Breathing problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Gastrointestinal issues such as a blocked intestine or slow emptying;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver problems;
• Pancreas problems

Some individuals may experience an acute intolerance to this medication with worsening symptoms of inflammation, like cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, headaches, rashes, and fever while taking mesalamine. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Your skin is a bit more sensitive to the sun than usual. It is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors while taking this medication. Occasionally, intact or partially intact tablets may appear in the stool while taking this medication. If this occurs repeatedly, consult your doctor.

Mesalamine is generally considered one of the safer inflammatory bowel medications during pregnancy, as active inflammation often poses a higher risk to the baby than the drug itself. However, it crosses the placenta and enters breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This medication should not be used in children younger than 2 years. Taking this medication along with immunosuppressants like azathioprine can increase 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 mesalamine.

Pentasa Extended Release is available in various formulations, including enemas, suppositories, and tablets. Take the tablets orally as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, and do not crush or chew them to avoid disrupting the slow-release coating. The enema and suppositories are meant for rectal use. Check the leaflet in the medication pack or consult your pharmacist for instructions on how to use these formulations. Ensure that you empty your bowels before applying these rectal formulations so that the medication can coat the intestinal lining directly. Store all forms of this medication at room temperature, protect them from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Pentasa Extended Release?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Pentasa Extended Release.