Drug Class Description
Salicylates.
Generic Name
Mesalazine
Drug Description
Pentasa Slow Release Tablets: light grey, sustained-release, scored tablets marked with tablet strength and PENTASA. Pentasa Suppositories 1g: suppositories. Pentasa Mesalazine Enema: enema. Pentasa Sachets: prolonged release granules in sachets.
Presentation
Pentasa Slow Release Tablets: Mesalazine 500mg . Pentasa Suppositories: Mesalazine 1g. Pentasa Mesalazine Enema: Mesalazine 1g. Pentasa Sachets: Mesalazine 1g.
Indications
Pentasa Slow Release Tablets and Pentasa Sachets: Mild to moderate acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis. Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis. Pentasa Mesalazine Enema: Ulcerative colitis affecting the distal colon and rectum. Pentasa Suppositories 1g: ulcerative proctitis.
Adult Dosage
Pentasa Slow Release Tablets: Acute, up to 4 g daily in two to three divided doses; maintenance, initially 1 .5 g daily in two or three divided doses.Pentasa Sachets: Acute, up to 4g daily in two to four divided doses; maintenance, 2g daily in not be chewed.Contents of the sachet should be emptied onto the tongue and washed down with water or orange juice. Pentasa Mesalazine Enema and Pentasa Suppositories 1g: one enema or suppository rectally at bedtime.
Child Dosage
Not recommended.
Contra Indications
Severe liver and/or renal impairment; sensitivity to mesalazine, any other component of the product, or salicylates. Pentasa Sachets are contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.Pentasa Slow Release Tablets and Pentasa Suppositories are contraindicated in children under 15 years of age.
Special Precautions
Raised blood urea or proteinuria. Pregnancy, lactation and elderly. Advise patients to report any unexplained bleeding, bruising, sore throat or malaise; perform blood test if suspect blood dyscrasia. Allergy to sulfasalazine (sulphasalazine). Impaired liver or renal function. Active peptic ulcer.
Adverse Reactions
Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, blood dyscrasias.
Manufacturer
Ferring
Drug Availability
(POM)
Updated
08 June 2009
