What is Balsalazide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Balsalazide is a prescription medication that helps reduce inflammation in your large intestine (colon). It belongs to a group of medicines called aminosalicylates, which work specifically to calm down irritated tissue in your digestive system.

If you're dealing with ulcerative colitis, your doctor might prescribe this medication to help manage your symptoms and keep flare-ups under control. Think of it as a targeted treatment that goes straight to where the inflammation is happening in your colon.

What is Balsalazide Used For?

Balsalazide is primarily used to treat ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects your colon and rectum. This condition causes painful inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the lining of your large intestine.

Your doctor will typically prescribe balsalazide to help reduce inflammation during active flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. It can also help maintain remission, which means keeping your symptoms quiet and preventing new flare-ups from occurring.

The medication works best for mild to moderate cases of ulcerative colitis. For more severe cases, your doctor might combine it with other treatments or recommend different medications altogether.

How Does Balsalazide Work?

Balsalazide is considered a moderate-strength anti-inflammatory medication that works in a clever way. When you take it by mouth, the medication travels through your digestive system without being absorbed until it reaches your colon.

Once it arrives in your colon, bacteria naturally present there break down balsalazide into its active form called mesalamine. This active ingredient then gets to work reducing inflammation right where you need it most.

This targeted delivery system means the medication can work directly on inflamed tissue in your colon while minimizing effects on the rest of your body. It's like having a delivery service that only drops off packages at the exact address where they're needed.

How Should I Take Balsalazide?

Take balsalazide exactly as your doctor prescribes it, usually three times daily with or without food. You can take it with meals if it upsets your stomach, or on an empty stomach if that works better for you.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsules because this can interfere with how the medication is released in your body.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your system. This consistency helps the medication work most effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Some people find it easier to take the medication with a small amount of soft food like applesauce or yogurt.

How Long Should I Take Balsalazide For?

The length of treatment with balsalazide varies depending on your specific situation and how well you respond to the medication. Some people take it for a few months during active flare-ups, while others may need long-term treatment.

For active ulcerative colitis, you might take balsalazide for 8 to 12 weeks or until your symptoms improve. If you're using it to maintain remission, your doctor might recommend continuing it for months or even years.

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular check-ups and may adjust your treatment plan based on how you're feeling. Never stop taking balsalazide suddenly without talking to your doctor first, as this could lead to symptom flare-ups.

What Are the Side Effects of Balsalazide?

Most people tolerate balsalazide well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that serious side effects are uncommon, and many people experience only mild effects or none at all.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory infections like cold symptoms
• Fatigue

These common side effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, let your doctor know.

While rare, some people may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions with rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
• Kidney problems, including changes in urination or blood in urine
• Liver problems, which might cause yellowing of skin or eyes
• Blood disorders that can cause unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain that's different from your usual symptoms
• Chest pain or heart palpitations

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.

Who Should Not Take Balsalazide?

Balsalazide isn't safe for everyone, and your doctor will carefully consider your medical history before prescribing it. You shouldn't take this medication if you're allergic to balsalazide, mesalamine, or salicylates (like aspirin).

People with certain kidney problems should use balsalazide with caution, as the medication can potentially affect kidney function. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function through regular blood tests if you have any kidney concerns.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks carefully before prescribing balsalazide. The medication can occasionally affect liver function, so regular monitoring may be necessary.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. While balsalazide is generally considered safer than some other ulcerative colitis medications during pregnancy, your doctor will help you make the best decision for your specific situation.

Balsalazide Brand Names

Balsalazide is available under the brand name Colazal in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed brand of balsalazide oral medication.

Generic versions of balsalazide are also available, which contain the same active ingredient as the brand name version. Your pharmacist can help you understand whether you're receiving the brand name or generic version.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which version of the medication you're taking, as they can help ensure you're getting the right treatment.

Balsalazide Alternatives

If balsalazide doesn't work well for you or causes troublesome side effects, several alternative medications are available for treating ulcerative colitis. Your doctor can help you explore these options based on your specific needs.

Other aminosalicylate medications include mesalamine (available as Asacol, Pentasa, or Lialda) and sulfasalazine. These work similarly to balsalazide but may be better tolerated by some people.

For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend immunosuppressive medications like azathioprine or biologics like infliximab. These are typically reserved for people who don't respond well to aminosalicylates.

The choice of alternative depends on factors like the severity of your condition, your response to previous treatments, and your overall health. Your doctor will work with you to find the most effective treatment plan.

Is Balsalazide Better Than Mesalamine?

Both balsalazide and mesalamine are effective treatments for ulcerative colitis, but they work slightly differently in your body. Balsalazide is actually a "prodrug" that converts to mesalamine once it reaches your colon.

Some people prefer balsalazide because it may cause fewer side effects than immediate-release mesalamine. The delayed-release mechanism means less medication is absorbed in your small intestine, potentially reducing systemic side effects.

However, mesalamine is available in more formulations, including rectal suppositories and enemas, which can be helpful for treating inflammation in the lower part of your colon and rectum.

Your doctor will consider factors like your symptom location, severity, and how you've responded to previous treatments when deciding between these medications. What works best varies from person to person.