This drug has been used for many years. Its main role is in reducing the chance of having a relapse in ulcerative colitis. In the majority of patients the side effects are due to the sulphur content of the drug and they will be able to take similar drugs which don't have sulphur in them. Sulphasalazine may cause harmless orange discoloration of the urine and in men temporarily reduce fertility while it is taken. Mesalazine Mesalazine has less side effects and can be used as an alternative to sulphasalazine.
Different forms are available designed to release mesalazine in different parts of the intestine.
Mesalazine tablets should not be chewed. They should be swallowed whole with a drink. Olsalazine This drug releases mesalazine in the colon. It sometimes causes mild diarrhoea. This is an anti-inflammatory drug which works in a different way to steroids.