Asacol belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that the medication works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the
colon. Asacol decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation of
ulcerative colitis.
Asacol tablets have a special delayed-release coating. The coating prevents Asacol tablets from dissolving until they reach the very end of the small intestine.
Asacol has not been approved to treat ulcerative colitis in children. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Asacol in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Asacol for treating something other than ulcerative colitis. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, "off-label" Asacol uses may include the treatment of
Crohn's disease.
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