Pentasa Suppository (Mesalamine)

What is Pentasa Suppository?

Pentasa, with generic name Mesalamine, is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug, for gastrointestinal use.

What is Pentasa Suppository used for?

Pentasa is prescribed to the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, which is a type of bowel disease. It is not helpful in completely curing the ulcerative colitis but it is successful in relieving patients form the symptoms of this disorder.

How does Pentasa Suppository work?

Pentasa works by restricting the release of the natural material in the body that causes pain, bleeding and irritation because of ulcerative colitis.

How to use Pentasa Suppository

Stick to the instructions related to the dosage given to you by your doctor. Usually, Pentasa is taken four times a day, with or without food. Tablet must be taken whole. Do not crush, chew or break the medicine, as it can affect the functioning of the medicine inside the body.

The doses may however, differ depending on age, medical condition, and medical history of patients. Therefore, it is advised that you should abide by the instructions of the physician. Try using it same time everyday for best results.

Pentasa Suppository warnings and precautions

It is highly recommended that your doctor should know about your medical history and the allergies that you have especially, for the products that are broken down to Mesalamine after getting processed in your body.

Any kidney, liver or heat related problems should also be reported to the doctor before starting with your Pentasa dose. As Pentasa is similar to Aspirin, make sure children and teenagers do not take Aspirin or related medications if they have chickenpox or are suffering from any flu. Also, do not recommend it to the children who have had a shot of any vaccine, lately.

Store it away from light and moisture and at room temperature. Do not dispose it off by flushing or draining. If you are pregnant or are planning to conceive or are breast feeding your kids, consult your doctor before starting with Pentasa.

What do I do if I have missed a Pentasa Suppository dose?

If you have missed your Pentasa dose you should take one as soon as you recall. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Pentasa Suppository overdose?

If you have taken a Pentasa overdose you should call your doctor for help. It is not advisable to try any remedy on your own.

Pentasa Suppository interactions

Pentasa can interact with a number of drugs including the herbal ones. Interactions with drugs including acetazolamide, blood thinners like heparin and warfarin, and certain diabetes medications like sulfonylureas, which cover glipizide plus meglitinides can result in serious side effects. So, if you are taking these medications, check it out with your doctor first.

Prior to taking Pentasa, tell your doctor about all prescribed and non prescribed medications that you are taking. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Pentasa Suppository side effects

Like every other drug, Pentasa is also found to be linked with some common side effects. The minor side effects of Pentasa stay for some time and gradually fade away, as your body adjusts to the mechanism of the drug. These side effects are headache, vomiting and nausea. However, in case these problems persist, make sure you tell your physician about them.

Serious side effects of Pentasa are very rarely reported but if you experience some, call your doctor right away. These are intense and prolonged headache, stomach pain and cramping, persisting bloody diarrhea and fever.