Colitis Articles A-Z
Pentasa is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. This eMedTV segment describes the animal studies conducted on Pentasa and pregnancy, and explains when a healthcare provider will prescribe the drug to a pregnant woman.
For those who are treating ulcerative colitis with Pentasa, the dosage starts at 1 gram four times a day. This eMedTV resource contains other Pentasa dosing guidelines, including tips and precautions for those taking the medication.
If digoxin or warfarin is combined with Pentasa, drug interactions may occur. This section of the eMedTV Web site describes the side effects and complications that may occur as a result of these potentially negative interactions.
Possible signs of a Pentasa overdose include drowsiness, sweating, and ringing in the ears. This segment of the eMedTV library describes other symptoms that may occur during a Pentasa overdose and lists treatment options that are available.
Nausea and diarrhea are the most common side effects of Pentasa. Side effects that are less common, as this eMedTV segment explains, include drowsiness, dry skin, and dizziness. Serious side effects that require medical attention are also listed.
Pentasa is a prescription drug that is used for treating ulcerative colitis. As this eMedTV article explains, the medication can also be used in an "off-label" fashion to treat other conditions. Possible off-label Pentasa uses are also described.
Pentasa Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Pentasa, let your doctor know if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or any allergies. This eMedTV Web page contains other important Pentasa warnings and precautions, and explains those who should avoid taking the medicine.
Precautions and Warnings With Azathioprine
This portion of the eMedTV archives provides a detailed list of important precautions and warnings with azathioprine. For example, it may not be safe for pregnant women and it can increase the risk of certain types of cancer in some people.
Precautions and Warnings With Infliximab
This eMedTV Web page examines several precautions and warnings with infliximab, such as an increased risk of lymphoma and the danger of taking the medication if you have an infection. This page also lists those who should not take the drug.
Precautions and Warnings With Sulfasalazine
You should not take sulfasalazine if you have an intestinal or urinary blockage. This eMedTV Web page contains other precautions and warnings with sulfasalazine, including a more detailed list of people who should avoid taking the medication.
Precautions and Warnings With Sulfasalazine Delayed-Release
You should not take sulfasalazine delayed-release if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin. This eMedTV page contains other precautions and warnings with sulfasalazine delayed-release, including a detailed list of who should not take the drug.
Rowasa is a medication used for treating ulcerative colitis affecting the rectum and last part of the colon. This eMedTV page explains how Rowasa works to improve symptoms of ulcerative proctitis and offers general dosing information for the medicine.
It is not known for sure if Rowasa passes through breast milk. This eMedTV article discusses the research findings on Rowasa and breastfeeding, and explains why the drug (which is in the form of an enema) isn't absorbed into the blood in high levels.
There are many possible side effects of Rowasa, and hair loss is a rare but possible problem. This eMedTV segment discusses how common hair loss is with Rowasa and explains what your doctor may recommend if you experience this side effect.
The full risks of using Rowasa during pregnancy are not known, but it's most likely safe for pregnant women. This eMedTV article offers more information on Rowasa and pregnancy, including a discussion of the studies conducted on pregnant animals.
The suggested Rowasa dosage for treating ulcerative colitis or ulcerative proctitis is one enema once daily. This eMedTV resource offers more information on Rowasa dosing, including a list of tips on when and how to use the Rowasa enema.
If you take digoxin or warfarin along with Rowasa, drug interactions may potentially occur. This eMedTV page explains how Rowasa interactions can make digoxin or warfarin less effective.
Rowasa side effects may include the flu, a fever, and abdominal pain (or stomach pain). This page on the eMedTV site lists other common side effects of Rowasa, describes less common problems, and explains which side effects require medical attention.
Rowasa is used for treating ulcerative colitis that affects just the rectum and the last part of the colon. This eMedTV article explains how Rowasa works, describes the effects of the drug, and covers possible "off-label" Rowasa uses.
Rowasa Warnings and Precautions
You should not take Rowasa if you are allergic to sulfites or any components used to make Rowasa. This eMedTV Web page contains other Rowasa warnings and precautions, including possible side effects that may occur during treatment with the medicine.