Pentasa 500Mg 100Tablets
Description:
Pentasa 500 mg slow release tablets is a prescription anti-inflammatory bowel medication containing mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA). It is specifically formulated as a modified/slow release oral tablet to deliver mesalazine directly to the intestinal wall, helping to reduce inflammation in the colon and small intestine. Pentasa 500 mg is commonly used in the treatment and maintenance of remission of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. This product is intended for adults and adolescents as directed by a gastroenterologist or healthcare professional.
Indications:
- Treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis, including symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and urgency.
- Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis to help prevent flare-ups and prolong symptom-free periods.
- Treatment of mild to moderate Crohn's disease affecting the small intestine and/or colon, as prescribed by a specialist.
- Management of inflammatory bowel disease–related symptoms such as abdominal cramps, frequent bowel movements, and mucus in stool, when due to mesalazine-responsive conditions.
Active Ingredients / Key Components:
- Mesalazine (Mesalamine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) – 500 mg per slow release tablet.
- Pharmaceutical form: slow release (modified release) oral tablets designed to release mesalazine gradually along the intestine.
- Excipients: Full excipient list (tablet core and coating agents, binders, fillers, etc.) is not provided in the available data. Please refer to the official package leaflet for the complete list of inactive ingredients.
Dosage & Administration / How to Use:
- Use Pentasa 500 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Dosage may vary depending on the severity of the disease, age, and clinical response.
- Typical adult doses for active ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (general guidance only – always follow your doctor’s instructions): total daily dose often ranges from 1.5 g to 4 g mesalazine, divided into several doses. This corresponds to multiple Pentasa 500 mg tablets per day.
- For maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, lower total daily doses are usually prescribed, commonly in divided doses throughout the day, as directed by the physician.
- Tablets should generally be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets, as this may affect the slow release mechanism and drug delivery to the intestine.
- Pentasa 500 mg tablets can usually be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking the tablets with food may be helpful; follow your doctor’s advice.
- Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals each day to maintain a consistent level of mesalazine in the bowel.
- Do not stop taking Pentasa suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better, as this may increase the risk of relapse.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Clinical Benefits:
- Reduces intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., leukotrienes, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the intestinal wall.
- Helps relieve key symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and urgency.
- Supports maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of disease flare-ups.
- Targeted slow release formulation allows mesalazine to act locally in the gut, maximizing local anti-inflammatory effect while limiting systemic exposure.
Warnings & Contraindications:
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to mesalazine, salicylates (such as aspirin), or any of the excipients in the formulation.
- Use with caution in patients with impaired kidney function or a history of kidney disease. Mesalazine can affect renal function; periodic monitoring of renal parameters (serum creatinine, urea) is recommended.
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment; liver function tests may be required during treatment.
- Patients with a history of blood dyscrasias or those developing unexplained bruising, bleeding, sore throat, fever, or malaise should seek immediate medical advice, as mesalazine has been associated rarely with blood disorders.
- Discontinue use and contact a doctor immediately if acute intolerance reactions occur, such as cramping, acute abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, or severe worsening of symptoms.
- Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Mesalazine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and under medical supervision.
- Consult your doctor before use if breastfeeding. Mesalazine and its metabolite may pass into breast milk; monitor the infant for diarrhea or other adverse effects.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, thioguanine, or other immunosuppressants, as concomitant use may increase the risk of blood disorders.
- Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without proper medical supervision. This is a prescription medicine and must be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Side Effects:
- Common side effects may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Less common side effects can include vomiting, rash, itching, dizziness, joint or muscle pain, and fever.
- Serious but rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions, pancreatitis (severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting), hepatitis or liver dysfunction (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), nephritis or kidney impairment (changes in urination, swelling, unexplained fatigue), blood disorders (unusual bruising, bleeding, persistent sore throat, infections), or myocarditis/pericarditis (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations).
- Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing), severe abdominal pain, high fever, significant worsening of diarrhea, or any other alarming symptom.
- Always report persistent or bothersome side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage Instructions:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging. Store at or below the temperature specified on the product carton or blister (exact temperature range not available in the provided data; refer to the official package leaflet).
Specifications:
- Product type: Prescription anti-inflammatory bowel medicine (5-aminosalicylic acid derivative).
- Strength: 500 mg mesalazine per slow release tablet.
- Form: Slow release oral tablets.
- Pack size: 100 tablets per pack.
- Intended use: Adults and adolescents as directed by a healthcare professional for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Disclaimer: All pharmacy products are intended for general use only and do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before use. Results may vary, and no specific outcomes are guaranteed. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease unless stated. Follow label instructions carefully, as misuse may cause adverse effects. Compliance with local laws is the customer’s responsibility.
