1.5.1 Aminosalicylates

Notes:

1. Mesalazine tablets are modified release and different brands may have different release characteristics and, therefore, are not interchangeable. Thus, prescribing should be by brand name.
2. Mesalazine suppositories are a useful alternative to steroid enemas in maintenance therapy.
3. Sulfasalazine is useful for patients with concomitant arthritis.
4. None of the newer aminosalicylates are any more effective than sulfasalazine, but may cause fewer side effects.
5. CSM Warning: It is recommended that patients receiving aminosalicylates should be advised to report any unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura, sore throat, fever or malaise that occurs during treatment. A blood count should be performed and the drug stopped immediately if there is a suspicion of a blood dyscrasia.
6. Olsalazine is minimally absorbed in the small bowel and may offer advantages over mesalazine for distal colitis.
7. Balsalazide should only be prescribed for patients not responding to other aminosalicylates.