General information

Asacol belongs to the group of medications known as anti-inflammatories. It is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. It acts by reducing inflammation in the bowel. Asacol does not cure ulcerative colitis, but it may decrease symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling in the colon/rectum. It works by keeping your body from making certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling.

Directions

Take Asacol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. It is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the treatment of ulcerative colitis the dose is two tablets three times a day. For maintenance (long-term) treatment, 1600 mg per day in divided doses.

Precautions

Before taking Asacol you should talk with your doctor if you you are allergic to it or to salicylates if you have kidney or liver problems, asthma, abnormal emptying of stomach (pyloric stenosis), pancreas problems (pancreatitis), inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Contraindications

Do not take Asacol if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication, if you have gastric (stomach) or duodenal (intestinal) ulcer, urinary tract obstruction. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.