What is Balsalazide? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Balsalazide overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Colazal, Giazo, Giazo

Generic Names:

  • Balsalazide Disodium

Uses:

  • Treats ulcerative colitis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Balsalazide used for?

Colazal comes in capsule form and is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in adults and children five and older. It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Common side effects may include headache, mild or occasional nausea and vomiting.

What form(s) does Balsalazide come in?

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Balsalazide dosages?

  • Capsule 750MG

Balsalazide images - What does Balsalazide look like?

  • Balsalazide Disodium
    750mg capsule

How to take Balsalazide

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, break, crush, or chew it.

  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Do not keep the mixture for future use. This mixture may stain your teeth or tongue. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about this.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, break, crush, or chew it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. Do not keep the mixture for future use. This mixture may stain your teeth or tongue. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about this.

What to do if you miss a dose of Balsalazide

Balsalazide contraindications - Who shouldn't take Balsalazide?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to balsalazide, aminosalicylates, or salicylates (including aspirin).

Balsalazide warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach or bowel problem (including pyloric stenosis). Tell your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problems (including kidney stones)Mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndromeHeart problems (including myocarditis, pericarditis)Liver problems

Balsalazide interactions & what to avoid when taking Balsalazide

  • Some medicines can affect how balsalazide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or NSAIDs.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Balsalazide side effects - How does Balsalazide make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

  • Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, body aches

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Bloody diarrhea, severe cramping, stomach pain, headache

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination, lower back or side pain

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness or unusual bruising

  • Mild diarrhea

  • Joint pain

Balsalazide News & Research

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