This article describes balsalazide oral capsule’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for balsalazide. If you want to know more about balsalazide oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Balsalazide oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Colazal.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strength of balsalazide
Balsalazide oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: oral capsule, which you take by swallowing
- Strength: 750 milligrams (mg)
Dosage of balsalazide
This article describes the recommended dosages for balsalazide oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of balsalazide oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosage of balsalazide in adults
The table below shows the recommended maintenance dosage of balsalazide oral capsule in adults. Strength is measured in grams (g) or milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Maintenance dosage | Recommended maximum duration |
|---|---|---|
| mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) | 2.25 g (three 750-mg capsules), taken three times per day | 12 weeks |
Dosage of balsalazide in children
The table below shows the recommended maintenance dosage of balsalazide oral capsule in certain children.
| Age | Condition | Maintenance dosage | Recommended maximum duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| children ages 5–17 years | mild to moderate UC | 2.25 g (three 750-mg capsules), taken three times per day OR 750 mg (one 750-mg capsule), taken three times per day | 8 weeks |
Dosage adjustments for balsalazide
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of balsalazide oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of balsalazide
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of balsalazide oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about balsalazide oral capsule and its dosage.
How does the dose of balsalazide compare with the dose of mesalamine?
Balsalazide and mesalamine both belong to a group of drugs known as aminosalicylates. Both of these medications can be used to treat mild to moderate UC.
Balsalazide is available as an oral capsule. But there are many different dosage forms and strengths available for mesalamine, including capsules and tablets. Mesalamine is also available in dosage forms that are given rectally, such as a suppository or enema.
The many different dosage forms and strengths of mesalamine are one reason why it’s hard to directly compare doses of balsalazide and mesalamine. The dosages can also differ based on other factors, such as:
- why you’re prescribed the medication
- your age
- how you respond to the drug
Depending on the mesalamine form you’re prescribed, you may need to take it once per day, or up four times per day. You take balasalazide oral capsule three times per day.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how your dosage of balsalazide compares to different forms of mesalamine.
Is balsalazide taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe balsalazide oral capsule as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use, typically 12 weeks for adults or 8 weeks for children.
If you have questions about how long you should take balsalazide oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How balsalazide is taken
You’ll swallow balsalazide oral capsule three times per day. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
You should swallow balsalazide oral capsule whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the capsule.
If you can’t swallow the capsule whole, you can open it up and sprinkle the entire contents of the capsule on a small amount (about 2 teaspoons) of applesauce. Once you’ve done this, swallow the entire contents of the applesauce mixture right away. You can chew the mixture if needed.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Balsalazide coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for balsalazide when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of balsalazide
It’s important that you do not take more balsalazide oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of balsalazide overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pain
- rapid, shallow breathing or breathing more deeply
- ringing in the ears
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- seizures
- kidney or liver damage
What to do if you take too much balsalazide
If you think you’ve taken too much balsalazide, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for balsalazide oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of balsalazide oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take balsalazide oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you adjust my dosage of balsalazide oral capsule during treatment?
- Will you change my dosage of balsalazide oral capsule if I have other health conditions or take other drugs?
- What should I do if I miss a dose of balsalazide oral capsule?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.