(Click Asacol Uses for more information on what Asacol is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Asacol is manufactured by Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals.
Asacol belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that Asacol 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.
In previous clinical studies, people taking Asacol experienced less bleeding and
diarrhea than those not taking the medication. Asacol was also shown to help prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms from returning.
One interesting study looked at the effect of Asacol on male infertility.
Sulfasalazine (a similar medication for ulcerative colitis) often causes male infertility. In this small study, men who developed infertility while taking sulfasalazine were switched to Asacol. All men showed improved sperm count, and eight out of nine men showed improved sperm motility.
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