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Drug Details

SALOFALK

• Drug Class Description
  Salicylates.
• Generic Name
  Mesalazine
• Presentation
  Enteric coated tablet
• Description
  Mesalazine 250mg.
• Indications
  Treatment of mild to moderate acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis and for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis
• Adult Dosage
  

  Method of Administration: Oral

  Adults: Acute treatment: six tablets daily in three divided doses.

  Maintenance Treatment: three to six tablets daily in divided doses.

• Child Dosage
  Not recommended.
• Elderly Dosage
  

  As for adults

• Contra Indications
  

  Hypersensitivity to salicylates, severe renal and hepatic disease, active peptic ulcer, blood clotting abnormalities. Renal impairment. Pregnancy. Advise patients to report any unexplained bleeding, bruising, sore throat or malaise; perform blood test if suspect blood dyscrasia.

• Special Precautions
  

  Serious blood dyscrasias have been reported very rarely with mesalazine. Haematological investigations should be performed if the patient develops unexplained bleeding, bruising, purpura, anaemia, fever or sore throat.

  Reports of interstitial nephritis occurring with mesalazine treatment are uncommon, however it is advisable that renal function be monitored, with serum creatinine levels measured prior to treatment start, every 3 months for the first year, 6 monthly for the next 4 years, and then annually thereafter. Use with extreme caution in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. If dehydration develops, normal electrolyte levels and fluid balance should be restored as soon as possible.

  Treatment should be stopped if there is suspicion or evidence of blood dyscrasia, or if renal function deteriorates

• Interactions
  

  Sulphonylureas, coumarin, methotrexate, probenicid, sulfinpyrazone (sulphinpyrazone), spironolactone, frusemide (furosemide), rifampicin, glucocorticoids.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  Hypersensitivity reactions, increased metahaemoglobin levels, blood dyscrasias, headache, GI disturbances, hair loss.