Asacol is the brand name for mesalamine, an aminosalicylate typically prescribed to patients for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Aminosalicylates are antibacterial agents particularly responsive to mycobacteria that is present in UC, or ulcerative colitis. Using Asacol for ulcerative colitis is a first line of defense in the care of the reduction of bacteria in the digestive tract and colon. The drug is released in the ileum and colon so it is at the heart of the issue.
Ulcerative Colitis is characterized by the symptoms of stomach pain and bloody diarrhea. The patient may also feel nauseated; have a lack of appetite, fatigue, and some weight loss. UC and Crohn’s are very similar, and it will take a series of tests to determine between the two (mostly from where in the intestines the flaws are will determine which of these the patient has).
Typical dosing is prescribed by physicians as 800-1600 milligrams usually two or four times a day. When first starting up the drug for ulcerative colitis you will need to remember that it will take three weeks before the drug take effect. There are some Asacol side effects, the most common of which are stomach pain, belching, generalized pain, sore throat, back pain, joint pain, muscle tension, vomiting, and constipation. There are other, less common, side effects of taking Asacol, but these are the ones most often reported – ranging from 18% of patients down to 5%, in that order.
Asacol should not be used if the patient is taking azathioprine, mercaptopurine, tacrolimus, pentamidine, antibiotics, antivirals, any of the cancer medications currently used, amphotericin B, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs. There may also be some interactions when the patient is taking multivitamins, herbal formulas, or minerals.