Common use

Pentasa is a highly effective medication used to treat ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The active ingredient in Pentasa is mesalamine (also known as 5-ASA), which belongs to the group of medications called aminosalicylates. Mesalamine works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals — including prostaglandins and leukotrienes — in the lining of the colon, thereby reducing colon inflammation and helping to control the symptoms of bowel disease. Many patients choose to buy Pentasa online for convenient and affordable management of their IBD treatment regimen. Pentasa generic versions offer the same proven anti-inflammatory benefits as the brand-name product. Whether you are dealing with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis flare-ups or require maintenance therapy to keep Crohn's disease in remission, mesalamine has been a cornerstone of IBD treatment for decades. If you want to buy mesalamine at competitive prices with reliable delivery, our online pharmacy provides genuine 5-ASA medication you can trust.



Dosage and directions

Take Pentasa exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all recommendations carefully for the best therapeutic results. Do not crush, break, or chew a mesalamine tablet or capsule — swallow the pill whole to ensure the medication is properly released in the intestinal tract where it is needed most. Call your doctor promptly if you find undissolved tablets in your stool, as this may indicate the medication is not being absorbed correctly. Your doctor will determine the optimal dose based on the severity of your ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. For most adults, the typical maintenance dose ranges from 2 to 4 grams daily, divided into multiple doses. Consistent, daily use of mesalamine is essential to maintain remission and prevent flare-ups of colon inflammation.



Precautions

Before starting Pentasa, discuss with your doctor if you have pyloric stenosis, a known allergy to sulfasalazine, congestive heart failure, or liver or kidney disease. Patients with renal impairment should be monitored carefully, as mesalamine is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Regular blood tests may be recommended to check kidney function and blood cell counts during long-term IBD treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the benefits and risks of mesalamine use during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated. Report any new or worsening symptoms of bowel disease to your doctor, including increased bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever, as these may indicate a need to adjust your treatment plan.



Contraindications

Do not use Pentasa if you have a known allergy to mesalamine, aspirin, or other salicylates, as cross-reactivity can occur. Before using this 5-ASA medication, discuss with your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, pyloric stenosis, congestive heart failure, or a history of allergy to sulfasalazine. Patients who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to sulfasalazine may also react to mesalamine, although cross-sensitivity is not universal. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction or acute intolerance syndrome, including cramping, acute abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or fever.



Possible side effects

Severe side effects of Pentasa that require immediate medical attention include: severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea. These may indicate mesalamine intolerance or worsening of your underlying bowel disease. Less serious side effects that may occur during IBD treatment include: mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas; fever, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms; constipation; headache or dizziness; tired feeling; or skin rash. Most mild side effects tend to resolve as your body adjusts to mesalamine therapy. Contact your doctor if any side effects persist or become bothersome during your ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease treatment.



Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all other medications you may use before starting Pentasa, as mesalamine can interact with several drugs. Important interactions include: azathioprine (Imuran) or mercaptopurine (Purinethol) — mesalamine may increase the risk of blood disorders when combined with these immunosuppressants; pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam); tacrolimus (Prograf); amphotericin B (Fungizone, AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet); antibiotics such as capreomycin (Capastat), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled); antiviral medicines such as acyclovir (Zovirax), adefovir (Hepsera), cidofovir (Vistide), or foscarnet (Foscavir); cancer medicines such as aldesleukin (Proleukin), carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), ifosfamide (Ifex), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid); or aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others. Many of these medications can affect kidney function, and combining them with mesalamine may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.



Missed dose

Take the missed dose of Pentasa as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra mesalamine to make up the missed dose. Consistent daily dosing is important for effective ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease management, so try to take your medication at the same times each day.



Overdose

Seek urgent medical help if you suspect a Pentasa overdose. Overdose symptoms of mesalamine may include: ringing in your ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately for guidance on 5-ASA overdose management.



Storage

Store Pentasa at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep mesalamine out of the reach of children and away from pets. Dispose of expired IBD treatment medication properly.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.