Asacol

What is it?

Composition

Asacol contains the active substance mesalazine, which belongs to the group of anti-inflammatory drugs. Mesalazine acts directly on the intestinal mucosa, helping to relieve inflammation and restore damaged tissue. The drug is available in the form of enteric-coated tablets or capsules, ensuring the delivery of the active component to the intestine.

The excipients included in the drug include components for forming the tablet shell, stabilizing mesalazine and improving its absorption. Among them, you can find ingredients such as:

• Microcrystalline cellulose - to give the tablet structure.
• Povidone - to improve solubility.
• Talc and magnesium stearate - to ensure smoothness and ease of swallowing.
• Polymer compounds - to protect mesalazine from premature destruction in the stomach.

Such a balanced composition makes Asacol an effective and safe remedy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

How to use?

The use of Asacol requires compliance with the doctors recommendations, since the dosage and regimen depend on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. The drug is usually taken orally with enough water to facilitate swallowing and avoid damaging the tablet shell.

Here are general recommendations for use:

1. Tablets are taken whole, without chewing or crushing, so as not to damage their protective coating.
2. The drug should be taken at the same time of day, which helps maintain a stable concentration of mesalazine in the intestine.
3. The dosage is usually from 800 mg to 2.4 g per day, divided into several doses. In some cases, the doctor may increase the dose.

The duration of treatment is also determined by the doctor. It is important to follow the recommendations and not stop taking the drug ahead of time, even if the symptoms have improved. This is necessary to prevent relapses.

How does it work?

Asacol works thanks to its active ingredient, mesalazine, which belongs to the class of amine salicylates. The drug acts directly on the intestinal mucosa, suppressing inflammatory processes. The main goal of therapy is to reduce inflammation activity and prevent tissue damage.

Mesalazine blocks the production of substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which play a key role in the development of inflammation. In addition, it has an antioxidant effect, reducing cell damage by free radicals. Due to the enteric coating, the drug reaches the affected areas of the intestine, where it is gradually released and begins to work.

This local effect reduces the risk of systemic side effects characteristic of many anti-inflammatory drugs. This mechanism of action makes Asacol effective in the treatment of diseases associated with chronic intestinal inflammation.

Indications

Asacol is prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases when it is necessary to control inflammatory processes and maintain remission. The drug is effective both in the acute course of the disease and for preventing relapses.

The main indications for use include:

• Ulcerative colitis, including maintaining remission after an exacerbation.
• Mild and moderate Crohns disease.
• Proctitis and proctosigmoiditis, accompanied by inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon.
• Prevention of exacerbations of inflammatory processes in the intestine in patients with a chronic course of the disease.

Thanks to its targeted action, Asacol allows you to effectively cope with inflammation, reducing the manifestation of symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and bloody discharge.

Contraindications

Despite the high efficiency of Asacol, its use may be limited in some cases due to contraindications. Before starting treatment, it is important to discuss all possible risks and individual health characteristics with your doctor.

The main contraindications include:

• Allergy to mesalazine or any excipients included in the drug.
• Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency, as the drug can increase the load on these organs.
• Active stomach or duodenal ulcers.
• Blood clotting disorders or a tendency to bleeding.
• Childhood (usually up to 6 years old, unless otherwise directed by the doctor).

In addition, pregnant and lactating women should use Asacol with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to remember that if you have any doubts or chronic diseases, you must inform your doctor about it.

Side effects

Although Asacol is generally well tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. These reactions may be related to individual sensitivity to mesalazine or the components of the drug, as well as to health conditions.

The most common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
• Headaches or dizziness, which usually go away after getting used to the drug.
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, or redness of the skin.
• Increased fatigue or weakness.
• Changes in blood tests, such as a decrease in white blood cells or an increase in liver enzymes.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may develop, such as worsening kidney disease or inflammation of the heart (pericarditis). If any unwanted symptoms occur, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor to adjust the treatment or change the drug.