What is Colazal?
Colazal is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates. Colazal works by decreasing inflammation in the intestine.
Health Benefits
Colazal has been shown to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD. A review of studies found that Colazal was more effective than placebo at inducing remission and maintaining remission in people with ulcerative colitis.
In another study, Colazal was found to be as effective as the drug sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) at inducing remission in people with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. However, the rate of relapse was higher with Colazal than with sulfasalazine.
Colazal may also be effective in treating Crohn’s disease, another type of IBD. In one study, Colazal was found to be more effective than placebo at inducing remission in people with Crohn’s disease.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Colazal include:
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Less common side effects include:
Rash
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
rare side effects include: Blistering or peeling skin, Bloody stools, Fever, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Severe diarrhea, Shortness of breath, Sore throat, Unusual tiredness or weakness , Vision changes. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Colazal is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates. Colazal works by decreasing inflammation in the intestine.
Dosages
The recommended dosage of Colazal for adults is 3 pills (750 mg) 3 times daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 4.5 grams per day.
For children ages 6 to 17 years, the recommended dosage is 2.25 to 4.5 grams per day divided into 3 doses.
Colazal should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Interactions
Colazal may interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you are taking. These interactions may increase the risk of side effects or make the medication less effective. To avoid these interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking.
Examples of medications that may interact with Colazal include:
5-aminosalicylates
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants
Tacrolimus
Azathioprine
Cyclosporine
If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor before taking Colazal. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
Herbs and supplements that may interact with Colazal include:
Folate (vitamin B9)
Vitamin D3
Taking folate or vitamin D3 may increase the risk of side effects from Colazal. If you are taking these supplements, talk to your doctor before taking Colazal. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
Mechanism of Action
Colazal works by decreasing inflammation in the intestine. It is thought to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Colazal may also work by inhibiting the activity of certain immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages.
Pharmacokinetics
Colazal is absorbed from the intestine and metabolized in the liver. The metabolites are then excreted in the urine. The half-life of Colazal is 8 to 12 hours.
Alternatives to Colazal
There are many alternatives to Colazal for the treatment of IBD. These include other aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and mesalamine (Asacol, Lialda, Pentasa, Rowasa), as well as immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol). Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are also used to treat IBD.
If you are looking for an alternative to Colazal, talk to your doctor about what options are available.
Storage
Colazal should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.
