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Balsalazide

Balsalazide is a prescription drug typically used to relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Healthcare providers believe the drug works by decreasing the production of certain chemicals that lead to inflammation. Balsalazide comes in capsule form, and is usually taken three times a day. Side effects of the medication can include abdominal pain (or stomach pain), joint pain, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Balsalazide?

Balsalazide disodium (Colazal®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat ulcerative colitis.
 
(Click What Is Balsalazide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Balsalazide?

Balsalazide is manufactured by Salix Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Balsalazide Work?

Balsalazide belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that balsalazide works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. The medication decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
 
The balsalazide molecule itself is inactive. However, when it reaches the colon, bacteria enzymes split the balsalazide molecule, releasing the active forms of the medication.
 

Effects of Balsalazide

In previous clinical studies, after eight weeks of taking balsalazide, up to 55 percent of people had less blood in the stool, compared to just 35 percent of those not taking balsalazide. The drug also helped people have fewer trips to the toilet.
 
(Balsalazide Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;