Pentasa

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g is a prescription-only aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory agent for gastrointestinal use. It contains the controlled-release formulation of the active ingredient mesalamine. The tablet also contains the following inactive compounds: acetylated monoglyceride, castor oil, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, stearic acid, sugar, talc and white wax.

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g is a prescription-only aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory agent for gastrointestinal use. It contains the controlled-release formulation of the active ingredient mesalamine. The tablet also contains the following inactive compounds: acetylated monoglyceride, castor oil, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, stearic acid, sugar, talc and white wax.

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory agent indicated for patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is thought that mesalamine reduces inflammation in the colon by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the gut wall.

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g should be taken orally. It is important not to store the Pentasa tablets above 25°C.

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g should be taken as advised by a healthcare professional. These doses are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate exacerbations of ulcerative colitis and for the maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.

Some people may experience the following common side effects while taking Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g:

• Severe abdominal / stomach pain;
• Bloody diarrhoea;
• Rectal bleeding.

Less common side effects include:

• Severe abdominal / stomach cramps;
• Blurred vision;
• Dizziness;
• Fever;
• Feeling full / bloated;
• Severe headache;
• Nervousness;
• Skin rash / itching;
• Abnormal heartbeat (slow or fast);
• Unusual tiredness/weakness.

See the package leaflet for more information on side effects. Always report any side effects to a healthcare professional so they can advise on how to prevent them or reduce the effects.

• Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g is not suitable for anyone hypersensitive to mesalamine or salicylates;
• Caution should be exercised in patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function;
• Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g should not be administered to children;
• Patients with asthma should be carefully monitored throughout treatment with Pentasa tablets.

There are no known effects of Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g on fertility in men or women. Pentasa tablets should be used in caution in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if their healthcare professional deems the benefits outweigh the risks. If a breastfed infant develops diarrhoea, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Pentasa 500 mg and 1 g does not affect driving ability or machinery use.

Pentasa tablets are not thought to interact with alcohol.