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Balsalazide Coupon - Balsalazide 750mg capsule

balsalazide

Generic Colazal
Used for Ulcerative Colitis
Used for Ulcerative Colitis

Balsalazide disodium, also known by the brand name Colazal, is an aminosalicylate. It's a first-choice treatment option for treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in people age 5 years and older. Balsalazide (Colazal) is available as 750 mg capsules. The typical dosage for adults is 3 capsules by mouth three times per day. Children can take either 1 or 3 capsules by mouth three times per day. Side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 10, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Balsalazide (Colazal)?

What is Balsalazide (Colazal) used for?

How Balsalazide (Colazal) works

Balsalazide (Colazal) is an aminosalicylate. Once swallowed, the medication reaches the colon. It blocks the body from making inflammatory proteins and chemicals in the gut. This is thought to lessen inflammation in the gut.

When does Balsalazide (Colazal) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsColazal
Drug ClassAminosalicylate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Balsalazide (Colazal)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Joint pain (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Passing gas
  • Indigestion
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stuffy, runny, or itchy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
Note: Side effect data for adults. Side effects might differ in children.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Kidney damage: urinating less often than usual; dry and itchy skin; muscle cramps; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
  • Kidney stones: trouble urinating, bloody urine, fever, chills, back or side pain
  • Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, stomach bloating, right-sided stomach pain, dark urine
  • Serious skin reactions: hives, blisters, peeling skin, skin reddening, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
When do Balsalazide (Colazal) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk for acute intolerance syndrome (looks like a UC flare-up)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Agitation

bloody diarrhea

blood in the urine

coma

confusion

dark-colored urine

decreased urine output

depression

dizziness

fever

headache

hostility

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

irritability

itching, skin rash

lethargy

light-colored stools

muscle twitching

nausea

pain in the groin or genitals

rapid weight gain

redness or other discoloration of the skin

seizures

severe sunburn

sharp back pain just below ribs

stomach pain

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Bladder pain

cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

heavy bleeding

lower back or side pain

pale skin

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

Tightness in the chest

Incidence not known

Chills

clay colored stools

decreased appetite

dizziness

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

joint pain

loss of appetite

swelling of the ,fingers, feet, or lower legs

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

muscle aches

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

bloated or full feeling

body aches or pain

bone pain

congestion

constipation

coughing

cramps

difficulty with moving

dry mouth

dryness of the throat

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn

hoarseness

indigestion

muscle pain or stiffness

passing of gas

shivering

sleeplessness

sneezing

stomach discomfort or upset

sweating

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen joints

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble with sleeping

trouble with swallowing

unable to sleep

voice changes

weight loss

Rare

Back pain

ear congestion

loss of voice

pain in the ankles or knees

painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Incidence not known

Hair loss or thinning of the hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Balsalazide (Colazal)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can start to provide symptom relief after 2 weeks of treatment

Can sprinkle the pill contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing it whole

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take three times per day

Can't take if you're allergic to salicylates, such as aspirin

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Balsalazide (Colazal)

pharmacist

  • Take balsalazide (Colazal) with or without food at any time of day. If it hurts your stomach, try taking the medication with food to help lessen stomach upset.

    • Swallow balsalazide (Colazal) capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, or break them.

      • If you're having trouble swallowing balsalazide (Colazal) capsules whole, you can open them and sprinkle the contents over 2 teaspoonfuls of applesauce. Mix the medication into the applesauce and then eat all of the mixture right away. Don't save it for later. Your teeth or tongue might get stained since the powder inside the capsules is orange to yellow.

        • While you're taking balsalazide (Colazal), it's normal if you notice that your urine looks reddish-brown if it hits surfaces or water that's been bleached. But if your urine is a reddish-brown color when it comes out of your body, contact your prescriber because this can be a sign that something else is going on.

          • Your skin might become more sensitive to the sun and be easier to burn while you're taking balsalazide (Colazal). To protect your skin, make sure to wear sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing, and find shade when you're outside.

            • Share your most up-to-date medication list with your care team so they can check that all your medications are safe to take together. Certain medications can interact with balsalazide (Colazal). For example, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), with balsalazide (Colazal) can raise your risk for kidney problems because they both can harm the kidneys.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Balsalazide (Colazal)

              Is balsalazide (Colazal) a steroid?
              No, balsalazide (Colazal) isn't a steroid. It's an aminosalicylate. Steroids and aminosalicylates both are types of medications that help treat UC. But they work differently to lessen inflammation in the gut. In general, treatment guidelines for mild UC typically prefer trying aminosalicylates first because steroids are known for their short- and long-term side effects. Speak with your prescriber about your treatment plan.
              Is balsalazide (Colazal) the same as mesalamine?
              Balsalazide (Colazal) isn't the same as mesalamine. But the two different medications are related. They're both aminosalicylates that are approved for treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). Of note, after you swallow balsalazide (Colazal), the body turns balsalazide into mesalamine. Balsalazide (Colazal) is only available as a capsule that's taken three times a day. But there are many forms of mesalamine, including pills, enemas, and suppositories. And each form of mesalamine can have different instructions on how to take it. Studies suggest that balsalazide (Colazal) might work better and faster than mesalamine pills. Compare between balsalazide (Colazal) and mesalamine, and talk to your gastroenterologist if you have more questions about the two medications.
              Does balsalazide (Colazal) cause hair loss?
              Hair loss wasn't a side effect balsalazide (Colazal) that people who took the medication reported having during clinical trials. But some people reported hair loss after the medication became available on the market. It's not completely clear whether balsalazide (Colazal) directly caused the hair loss or whether it was from something else. Contact your prescriber if you notice unusual hair loss while you're taking balsalazide (Colazal). They can examine what's causing this hair loss.
              Does balsalazide (Colazal) cause weight gain?
              Weight gain wasn't a typical side effect reported in people who took balsalazide (Colazal) during clinical trials. Keep in mind that severe gut-related symptoms of UC can lead to low appetite and weight loss. So it's possible that you might slowly get your appetite back and gain a little weight if balsalazide (Colazal) is working to treat your UC. Discuss with your care team about ways to incorporate balanced, nutritious meals and regular exercise into your daily routine to manage your weight.
              How long can you take balsalazide (Colazal)?
              It's recommended for adults and children age 5 and older to take balsalazide (Colazal) for up to 8 weeks. Some adults needed to take the medication for up to 12 weeks during clinical trials. Discuss with your prescriber about how long you should take balsalazide (Colazal) based on your condition and how the medication is working for you.
              How long does balsalazide (Colazal) stay in your system?
              Because balsalazide (Colazal) gets broken down in the body into many chemicals, it's not completely clear how long the medication stays in your system. We do know that balsalazide gets broken down in the body into mesalamine, which is the main component of the medication that works to lessen inflammation in the gut. Mesalamine can stay in your body for about 5 days. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of mesalamine. Even though it might stay in the body for several days, it's recommended to take balsalazide (Colazal) three times every day. This helps keep the levels of the medication in your body high enough so it can work well.
              Is balsalazide (Colazal) a sulfa drug?
              No, balsalazide (Colazal) doesn't contain any sulfa. This means that balsalazide (Colazal) is safe for people who have a sulfa allergy.
              Can you take balsalazide (Colazal) while breastfeeding?
              Let a member of your healthcare team know if you're breastfeeding. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking balsalazide (Colazal) with you. It's considered generally safe to breastfeed while you're taking this medication. But be aware that your baby might get diarrhea. Ask a healthcare professional if you have more questions about breastfeeding while you're taking balsalazide (Colazal).
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              What are the risks and warnings for Balsalazide (Colazal)?

              Balsalazide (Colazal) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Kidney damage

              • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking medications that are harmful to the kidneys

                Some people who take balsalazide (Colazal) have had kidney damage. Your risk for kidney damage is higher if you have kidney problems or if you take medications that can harm the kidneys, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and diuretics (water pills).

                You might need blood work or urine tests done every so often during treatment so your prescriber can check your kidney function. Tell your care team if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney problems while you're taking balsalazide (Colazal), including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, low appetite, and muscle cramps.

                risk-warning

                Kidney stones

                Some people who take balsalazide (Colazal) can get kidney stones. Make sure to stay hydrated each day while you're taking this medication to prevent kidney stones. Let your prescriber know if you have trouble urinating, notice a change in how much you urinate, have blood in the urine, or feel back or side pain. These can be signs of a kidney stone.

                risk-warning

                Acute intolerance syndrome

                Although rare, some people who take balsalazide (Colazal) can have a reaction to the medication called acute intolerance syndrome. It typically happens 1 to 3 weeks after starting balsalazide (Colazal). And it usually goes away within a few days after stopping the medication or after starting corticosteroid treatment.

                Symptoms of acute intolerance syndrome can be hard to tell apart from a flare-up of UC. Let your care team know if you have symptoms like stomach cramping or pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash. You might need to stop taking balsalazide (Colazal) to help these symptoms go away.

                risk-warning

                Allergic reactions

                • Risk factors: Allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) | Allergy to other aminosalicylates or salicylates (e.g., aspirin)

                  Severe allergic reactions to balsalazide (Colazal) are possible. They can include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Get emergency medical help right away if you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take balsalazide (Colazal).

                  risk-warning

                  Severe skin reactions

                  Balsalazide (Colazal) can cause rare but serious skin reactions. These skin reactions can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.

                  Stop taking balsalazide (Colazal) and get medical attention right away at the first sign of any unusual changes in your skin, like rash, blisters, peeling skin, or skin reddening. These skin reactions can sometimes happen with fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, so watch out for these symptoms as well.

                  risk-warning

                  Liver problems

                  • Risk factors: History of liver problems

                    Although rare, some people with liver problems had liver failure after they took mesalamine, a similar medication to balsalazide (Colazal). Let your prescriber know if you have a history of liver problems before you start taking balsalazide (Colazal). They can weigh the risks and benefits of treatment.

                    Get medical help as soon as possible if you notice severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes while you're taking balsalazide (Colazal). These can be signs of liver damage.

                    risk-warning

                    Skin that's sensitive to the sun

                    • Risk factors: Skin conditions (e.g., eczema)

                      People with skin conditions like eczema who take balsalazide (Colazal) are at higher risk that their skin gets more sensitive to the sun. This means that they can get sunburns more easily than usual.

                      To lower your risk for sunburn, wear sunscreen and long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin when you're outside, even during the winter and on overcast days. Also try to find shade as much as possible.

                      risk-warning

                      Caution in people with gut blockage

                      People who have or are at risk of a bowel obstruction should avoid taking balsalazide (Colazal). Gut blockages can make it take longer for the medication to reach your colon and help treat your UC. Let your prescriber know right away if you notice symptoms of a bowel obstruction, like severe stomach cramping, severe stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, or a hard or swollen belly.

                      dosage

                      Balsalazide (Colazal) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 270 capsules of 750mg of Balsalazide (Colazal) is $87.98 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.55% off the average retail price of $309.27.
                      capsule
                      Capsule
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      750mg270 capsules$87.98$0.33

                      Typical dosing for Balsalazide (Colazal)

                      Each capsule contains 750 mg of balsalazide.

                      • Age 18 years and older: The typical dose is 3 capsules by mouth three times per day for up 8 to 12 weeks.

                      • Age 5 to under 18 years: The typical dose is either 1 capsule or 3 capsules by mouth three times per day for up to 8 weeks.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Balsalazide (Colazal) and other drugs

                      Balsalazide (Colazal) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Balsalazide (Colazal). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Balsalazide (Colazal) cost?

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                      contraindications-icon

                      Balsalazide (Colazal) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Balsalazide (Colazal) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Balsalazide (Colazal)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Balsalazide (Colazal). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Balsalazide (Colazal)
                      Used for:
                      $87.98 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Mesalamine
                      Used for:

                      • Ulcerative colitis (UC)

                      $55.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
                      Used for:

                      • Ulcerative colitis (UC) - immediate-release and delayed release tablets

                      • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - delayed-release tablets only

                      • Polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - delayed-release tablets only

                      $22.79 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Balsalazide (Colazal) images

                      Orange 54 795 54 795 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule
                      This medicine is Orange Capsule Imprinted With "54 795 54 795".Orange 54 795 54 795 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule
                      White Apo B750 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule
                      This medicine is White Capsule Imprinted With "Apo B750".White Apo B750 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule
                      White And Yellow 1626 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule
                      This medicine is White And Yellow Capsule Imprinted With "1626".White And Yellow 1626 - Balsalazide Disodium 750mg Capsule

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Apotex Corp. (2025). Balsalazide disodium capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Malnutrition and IBD.

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Balsalazide. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      View All References (7)

                      Green, J. R., et al. (1998). Balsalazide is more effective and better tolerated than mesalamine in the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis. The Abacus Investigator Group. Gastroenterology.

                      Mikami, Y., et al. (2023). Significance of 5-aminosalicylic acid Intolerance in the clinical management of ulcerative colitis. Digestion.

                      Muijsers, R. B. R., et al. (2012). Balsalazide: A review of its therapeutic use in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Drugs.

                      Nakashima, J., et al. (2024). Mesalamine (USAN). StatPearls.

                      National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.

                      National Kidney Foundation. (2023). Tests to check your kidney health.

                      Rubin, D. T., et al. (2019). ACG clinical guideline: Ulcerative colitis in adults. The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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