Asacol is manufactured by Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals.
Asacol belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is believed to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the
colon. As a result, the medication decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation of ulcerative colitis.
The tablets have a special delayed-release coating. The coating prevents the tablets from dissolving until they reach the end of the small intestine.
In previous clinical studies, people taking Asacol experienced less bleeding and
diarrhea than those not taking the medication. It 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.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Asacol include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth three times daily.
- You can take the medicine with or without food. If Asacol bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The tablets are delayed-release and have a special coating. In order to protect this coating, you should not cut, chew, or crush the tablets.
- Asacol should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Asacol will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Asacol your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your condition
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Asacol. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Belching
- A sore throat.
(Click Asacol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Asacol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the outlet of the stomach)
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
Only a few cases of overdose have been reported, and no serious effects occurred. In previous studies, very high doses of Asacol caused kidney damage in dogs.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Asacol Be Stored?
Asacol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Asacol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Asacol tablets are available in one strength -- Asacol 400 mg delayed-release tablets.
There are currently no generic versions of Asacol licensed for sale
(see Generic Asacol for more information).
