Colazal (Balsalazide)

Do’s

• Take Colazal exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually 3 times a day.
• Take it with or without food, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Colazal to prevent kidney stones.
• If you can't swallow the capsules, open them and sprinkle the medication on applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately. Don't prepare it in advance.
• Take Colazal regularly at the same times each day for the best results.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition improves or worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't take more Colazal than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Colazal without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't crush, chew, or break the capsules unless you can't swallow them whole.
• Don't store the medication mixture for later use.
• Don't take Colazal for longer than 8 weeks unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Rash

Serious side effects:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Worsening colitis symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, cramps, or bloody diarrhea
• Kidney problems, such as little or no urination, swelling, or rapid weight gain
• Liver problems, such as upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice
• Allergic reactions, characterized by hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Colazal,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to balsalazide, other aminosalicylates (mesalamine, olsalazine), salicylates (aspirin, salsalate), sulfasalazine, or any other ingredients in Colazal.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Stomach/intestinal condition (pyloric stenosis)
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Colazal can increase sun sensitivity, especially for those with skin problems (atopic dermatitis, eczema). Take precautions like:

• Limiting sun exposure
• Avoiding tanning booths and sunlamps
• Using sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors
• Informing your healthcare provider about any sunburn, blisters, or redness

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) before surgery.

Consult your healthcare provider if you are on a salt-restricted diet or have conditions worsened by increased salt intake (e.g., heart failure).

Children and teenagers under 18 should avoid Colazal if they have chickenpox, flu, undiagnosed illness, or recently received a vaccine. These situations combined with Colazal increase the risk of Reye's syndrome (a rare but serious illness).

Use Colazal during pregnancy only when clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Colazal may pass into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.