Dipentum 250mg (Olsalazine)

Dipentum general information

What is Dipentum used for?

Dipentum capsules 250mg are used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which are chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, with alternating periods of relapse and remission. Ulcerative colitis is an IBD that involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Dipentum capsules 250mg are used to relieve symptoms of acute ulcerative colitis, such as ulcers and open sores, which cause abdominal pain, cramping and rectal bleeding. They also help maintain remission from symptoms and prevent flare-ups of the disease. Dipentum capsules 250mg can be used alone or in combination with steroids, which are also anti-inflammatory medications.

How does Dipentum work?

Dipentum capsules 250mg contain olsalazine, an anti-inflammatory that inhibits the production, by the walls of the large intestine, of several chemicals that are known to cause inflammation. Olsalazine in Dipentum capsules 250mg is a derivative of salicylic acid and is inactive until it reaches the colon, where it is converted to its active form mesalazine or 5-amino-salicylic acid by the action of a specific colonic bacterial enzyme. Mesalazine is thought to block the action of the enzymes cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which produces prostaglandins, and lipoxygenase, which produces leukotrienes. It also inhibits the migration of inflammatory cells like macrophages into intestine wall and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the walls of the intestine from cell damage. Dipentum capsules 250mg act at the site of inflammation in the colon to relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

What does Dipentum contain?

Dipentum capsules 250mg contain the active ingredient olsalazine an anti-inflammatory used to treat the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis. They also contain, magnesium stearate, gelatin, caramel (E150), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide (E172).

Treating ulcerative colitis with Dipentum

Dipentum capsules 250mg contain olsalazine, an anti-inflammatory that is used to treat the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory condition of the large intestine, known as the bowel or colon, with alternating periods of relapse and remission. Olsalazine in Dipentum capsules 250mg is a derivative of salicylic acid and is inactive until it reaches the colon, where it is converted to its active form mesalazine or 5-amino-salicylic acid by the action of a specific colonic bacterial enzyme. Mesalazine is thought to inhibit the production, by the walls of the large intestine, of several chemicals that are known to cause inflammation including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It also inhibits the migration of inflammatory cells like macrophages into intestine wall and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the walls of the intestine from cell damage. Dipentum capsules 250mg help relieve symptoms of acute ulcerative colitis, such as ulcers and open sores, which cause abdominal pain, cramping and rectal bleeding. They also help maintain remission from symptoms and prevent flare-ups of the disease.

What are the side effects of Dipentum?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Dipentum capsules 250mg include, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, rash, joint pain.

When should Dipentum not be used?

You should not use Dipentum capsules 250mg if you:

• are allergic to olsalazine or any ingredients in Dipentum
• have any sensitivity to salicylates
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney disease
• have recently had a varicella vaccine for chicken pox (within 6 weeks)
• have a bleeding disorder, peptic ulcer or erosive gastritis
• are taking medicines that interact with Dipentum including, the anticoagulant warfarin or heparin, digoxin for heart failure, the anti-cancer drugs mercaptopurine and thioguanine

What medications interact with Dipentum?

Several medications interact with Dipentum capsules 250mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Dipentum or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Dipentum: varicella vaccine
• Drugs that are affected by Dipentum: the anticoagulant warfarin or heparin, digoxin for heart failure, the anti-cancer drugs mercaptopurine and thioguanine

How should Dipentum be taken?

You should take your Dipentum capsules 250mg swallowed whole soon after food daily at the same time each day. The dose you take and how often depends on your doctor’s recommendation and how well you respond to treatment. You should continue take your Dipentum capsules 250mg for as long as your doctor recommends, which may be for long periods.

How long should you take Dipentum?

You should continue take your Dipentum capsules 250mg for as long as your doctor recommends, which may be for long periods

Missed dose of Dipentum

If you miss a dose of Dipentum capsules 250mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Dipentum be stored?

You should store your Dipentum capsules 250mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.