| [ Summary ] |
Salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) preparations are drugs available for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. SASP consists of sulfapiridine(SP) and 5-ASA linked by an azo bond, and it is split by bacteria into SP and 5-ASA in the colon, the latter of which is responsible for the therapeutic moiety of the medication. Pentasa is composed of 5-ASA coated with ethylcellulose, that allows for the slow release of the medication, beginning in the duodenum and extending into the colon. Because it does not contain SP, it is thought to be better tolerated than SASP. However, there may be adverse side effects similar to those of SASP in patients who are hypersensitive to salicylic acid. Adverse side effects specific to 5-ASA, such as diarrhea and nephrotoxity, have been also reported. |