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Pentasa Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
Rx
General Description
Mesalamine 250mg, 500mg; controlled-rel caps.
Pharmacological Class
Salicylate.
How Supplied
Caps 250mg—240; 500mg—120
Manufacturer
Generic Availability
250mg (NO); 500mg (YES)
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of mesalamine is not fully understood, but appears to be a topical anti-inflammatory effect on colonic epithelial cells. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways (eg, prostanoids), and through the lipoxygenase pathways (eg, leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids), is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis, and it is possible that mesalamine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.
Pentasa Indications
Indications
Mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
Pentasa Dosage and Administration
Adult
Swallow whole; may open caps and sprinkle entire contents onto applesauce or yogurt, consume immediately. 1g four times daily for up to 8 weeks.
Children
Not established.
Pentasa Contraindications
Not Applicable
Pentasa Boxed Warnings
Not Applicable
Pentasa Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Sulfasalazine allergy. Discontinue if acute intolerance syndrome is suspected. Discontinue at the 1st signs/symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Conditions predisposing to myocarditis or pericarditis. Atopic dermatitis or eczema: may have more severe photosensitivity reactions. Nephrolithiasis. Ensure adequate hydration. Renal or hepatic impairment. History of renal disease. Assess renal function prior to and periodically during therapy. Discontinue if renal function deteriorates while on therapy. Elderly (monitor CBCs, platelets). Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: monitor infants.
Pentasa Pharmacokinetics
Elimination
Fecal, renal.
Pentasa Interactions
Interactions
Increased toxicity with nephrotoxic drugs (eg, NSAIDs). Increased risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity. May cause elevated test results in measuring urinary normetanephrine; consider alternative assay.
Pentasa Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, rash; renal impairment, acute intolerance syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (eg, SJS, TEN, DRESS, AGEP).
Pentasa Clinical Trials
See Literature
Pentasa Note
Not Applicable
Pentasa Patient Counseling
See Literature
