Key facts about Pentasa
What is Pentasa?
Pentasa is the brand name for mesalmine and is available as a controlled-release oral capsule.
What dosages is Pentasa available in?
Pentasa is available as a 250 mg and 500 mg controlled-release oral capsule.
What is Pentasa used for?
Pentasa is an aminosalicylate and is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC).
How does Pentasa work?
Pentasa is an aminosalicylate. It’s unclear how mesalamine exactly works. But it appears to work inside the bowels (gut) to lower gut inflammation, which helps relieve symptoms of UC.
How do I take Pentasa?
Pentasa is dosed as follows:
- Adults: The typical dose is 1 gram (four 250 mg capsules or two 500 mg capsules) by mouth four times a day. You’ll typically take the medication for up to 8 weeks
Is it safe for me to take Pentasa?
Pentasa is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Pentasa Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Pentasa:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
Pentasa Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Pentasa. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Worsening UC symptoms
- Kidney problems (including kidney stones): trouble urinating, change in how much you urinate, blood in the urine, back or side pain, fever, chills
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain, tiredness
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; itchy skin; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin reaction: hives, discolored patches of skin, peeling skin, blisters; with or without fever or body aches
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Pentasa
There are no major drug interactions listed for Pentasa. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Pentasa?
Shire US Inc.
Is Pentasa safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well controlled studies of Pentasa use in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
