Olsalazine


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Ulcerative colitis
Adult: Acute mild cases: Initially, 1 g daily in divided doses, gradually increased over 1 wk, according to patient’s response. Max: 3 g daily in divided doses (max/dose: 1 g). Remission maintenance: 500 mg bid.
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to olsalazine or other salicylates.
Special Precautions
Patient w/ asthma, severe allergies. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis symptoms exacerbation. Rarely, blood dyscrasias.
Nervous: Headache, dizziness, paraesthesia, depression, vertigo, fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy.
CV: Tachycardia.
GI: Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps and pain, bloating, stomatitis, anorexia.
Resp: Upper resp tract infection, dyspnoea.
Hepatic: Increased hepatic enzyme.
Haematologic: Thrombocytopenia.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia.
Dermatologic: Rash, pruritus, alopecia, photosensitivity reaction, urticaria.
Others: Pyrexia.
Potentially Fatal: Liver necrosis, liver failure.
Patient Counseling Information
This drug may cause dizziness and/or blurred vision, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor renal function (e.g. serum creatinine, BUN, urinalysis) prior and during treatment (every 3 mth for 1 yr, then every 6 mth for next 4 yr, then annually thereafter). Monitor CBC, LFT, stool frequency.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Management: Supportive treatment.
Drug Interactions
Increased risk of bleeding (e.g. haematoma) w/ LMWH or heparinoids. Increased prothrombin time w/ warfarin. Increased risk of myelosuppression w/ 6-mercaptopurine and thioguanine. Increased risk of developing Reye's syndrome w/ varicella vaccine, avoid admin w/in 6 wk of vaccination.
Action
Description: Olsalazine is a mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)] derivative. The exact mechanism of action is still unknown but is thought to diminish inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways thus inhibiting the production of prostaglandin and leukotrienes in the colon; action appears to be topical rather than systemic.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Approx 2.4% is absorbed from the GI tract; 98-99% reaches the colon. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 1 hr.
Distribution: Enters breast milk (5-ASA). Plasma protein binding: >99% (olsalazine-S), 74% (5-ASA), 81% (N-acetyl-5-ASA).
Metabolism: Absorbed drug (approx 2% of the dose) is partially metabolised in the liver via sulfate conjugation to olsalazine-O-sulfate (olsalazine-S), while majority of the dose (98-99%) passes intact colon and cleaved by the intestinal flora to form 2 molecules of mesalazine (5-ASA), and metabolised further in the liver and colonic epithelium via N-acetylation to form N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (Ac-5-ASA).
Excretion: Olsalazine-S: Mainly via urine. Mesalazine: Mainly via faeces (as Ac-5-ASA); urine (20-30%, mainly as Ac-5-ASA and 1-2% as unchanged drug). Elimination half-life: 7 days (olsalazine-S).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Olsalazine

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Olsalazine, CID=22419, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Olsalazine (accessed on Jan. 22, 2020)

Storage
Store between 20-25°C.
MIMS Class
GIT Regulators, Antiflatulents & Anti-Inflammatories
ATC Classification
A07EC03 - olsalazine ; Belongs to the class of aminosalicylic acid and similar antiinflammatory. Used in the treatment of intestinal inflammation.
References
Anon. Olsalazine. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 23/08/2017.

Buckingham R (ed). Olsalazine Sodium. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 23/08/2017.

Dipentum Capsule, Gelatin Coated (Meda Pharmaceuticals). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 23/08/2017.

Joint Formulary Committee. Olsalazine Sodium. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 23/08/2017.

McEvoy GK, Snow EK, Miller J et al (eds). Olsalazine Sodium. AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI) [online]. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 23/08/2017.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Olsalazine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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