LoginSalofalk Granules
Generic Name: Mesalazine
Product Name: Salofalk Granules
Indication
Salofalk tablets contain an ingredient called mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid).This is used to treat acutely mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis. It is also used to provide maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis. Remission means the disease is under control and inactive at that moment.
Action
Mesalazine has been identified as the active component in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis. The exact method of which it acts is not known. However, mesalazine is thought to act in several ways against the inflammation that happens in the large bowels.
Dose advice
Mesalazine is a prescription-only drug, available in several forms including tablets, suspension enemas and foam enemas. However, only the granules form will be described here.It should be remembered that Salofalk Granules are used to control the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (specifically ulcerative colitis) but it does not cure it. Hence, there is no fixed duration onto how long the granules are to be used. This is all according to the doctor’s advice.Oral administration:
- Salofalk Granules come in the form of greyish white cylindrical or round particles in individual sachets. Each sachet contains 500mg or 1g of mesalazine.
The recommended dose is dependent on the course of the disease. The general dosage recommendation is as below:
- Acute attacks of ulcerative colitis: 500mg to 1g 3 times a day.
- Long term treatment of ulcerative colitis: 500mg 3 times a day.
Advice on taking Salofalk Granules:
- The granules should be swallowed whole (i.e. without chewing or crushing) with sufficient fluid in the morning, midday and evening (hence, 3 times a day).
- The granules can be taken with meals.
- The granules should be taken regularly and consistently to achieve the desired effect.
Schedule
S4
Common side effects
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Abdominal pain
- Worsening of ulcerative colitis
- Abnormal liver function: the liver function tests show abnormal result
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flatulence
- Rash
Uncommon side effects
The side effects shown below has been reported in surveillance of Salofalk preparations, including both enemas and tablets. However, it is worthwhile to remember that the direct relationship has not been established.
- Fever, feeling generally unwell and tired
- Allergic reaction
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sensations in the body (e.g. numbness or weakness in the arms or legs)
- Inflammation of bodily organs (e.g. pancreas, colon, liver, muscle, heart)
- Impaired hearing
- Blood problems including low platelets, low red blood cells and low white blood cells leading to infection, tiredness and easy bruising
- Lung side effects such as spasm of the windpipes in the lungs
- Skin problems including sensitivity to sunlight, allergic reaction
- Joint inflammation leading to joint pain and swelling
References
- Mims online – Prescribing information for Salofalk Granules and Tablets [online]. 2003 [cited 2005 September 16th]. Available from: URL: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au/ifmx-nsapi/mims-data/?MIval=2MIMS_abbr_pi&product_code=6286&product_name=Salofalk+Granules+and+Tablets
- Consumer Medicine Information on Salofalk Granules [online]. 2005. [Cited 2005 September 16th]. Available from: URL: http://www.orphan.com.au/pdfs/SalofalkGranules_CMI.pdf
- Product Information on Salofalk Granules. 2005. [Cited 2005 September 16th].
For further information talk to your doctor.
Dates
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