Balsacol 750 mg Capsule

Balsacol 750 mg Capsule is a prescription gastroenterology medicine that contains 750 mg of balsalazide in each capsule. It belongs to the aminosalicylate (5-ASA) class and is used to help treat ulcerative colitis, especially to reduce inflammation in the colon and help manage flare-ups. Balsacol 750 mg Capsule is designed for people whose doctor has chosen this specific higher-strength capsule as part of a treatment plan. It is not a pain reliever and does not work the same way as antibiotics or antidiarrheal medicines.

How it works: After you swallow Balsacol 750 mg Capsule, balsalazide travels through the digestive tract and is converted by bacteria in the colon into 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), the active anti-inflammatory medicine. This helps calm swelling and irritation in the bowel lining.

Balsacol 750 mg Capsule is a higher-strength balsalazide capsule, so it may be chosen when a doctor wants fewer capsules per dose than lower-strength products would require. That can make it easier to follow a prescribed schedule while still delivering the same medicine in the colon where it is needed. Because it is a 750 mg capsule, it is usually used only when a clinician has already decided balsalazide is appropriate for the patient.

• Ulcerative colitis
• Maintenance of ulcerative colitis remission
• Treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis flare-ups
• Reducing colon inflammation

• Swallow the Balsacol 750 mg Capsule whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open it unless your doctor tells you to.
• Take it exactly as prescribed, usually in divided doses during the day.
• You may take it with or without food unless your prescriber gives different instructions.
• Try to take each dose at the same times every day to keep the medicine level steady.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.
• Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has told you to limit fluid intake.

Each Balsacol 750 mg Capsule provides 750 mg of balsalazide. The number of capsules taken per day varies by the treatment plan, and the total daily dose may be divided into more than one dose; your doctor decides the schedule based on your condition and response. Do not take more capsules per day than prescribed, because the correct maximum daily amount is specific to the individual patient and this strength is used as part of a doctor-directed regimen.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Balsalazide may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Gas or bloating
• Joint pain
• Rash

• Do not use Balsacol 750 mg Capsule if you are allergic to balsalazide, mesalamine, sulfasalazine, or salicylates unless your doctor specifically says it is safe.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of blood disorders, because monitoring may be needed.
• This higher-strength capsule may be part of a larger daily dose, so follow the prescribed schedule closely and do not change the number of capsules on your own.
• Use caution if you have asthma or a history of aspirin sensitivity.
• Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding so the benefits and risks can be reviewed.
• Do not stop Balsacol 750 mg Capsule suddenly without medical advice, even if you feel better.
• If you develop new or worsening diarrhea, fever, or severe stomach pain, contact your doctor promptly.

• Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Other salicylate-containing medicines
• Live vaccines or medicines that affect the immune system, if you are also taking immunosuppressants

Store Balsacol 750 mg Capsule in its original strip or box at room temperature, away from moisture and excess heat, and keep it out of reach of children.