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Compare Colazal vs. Rowasa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Balsalazide (Colazal) and mesalamine (Rowasa) are both used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), but they differ in their forms and how they are administered. Balsalazide is an oral medication that you swallow, while mesalamine is an enema that you insert into your rectum. Balsalazide is typically taken three times a day, whereas mesalamine is used once nightly. Balsalazide can be used in children as young as 5 years old, but mesalamine is only approved for used in adults. Both medications belong to the aminosalicylate class and help reduce inflammation in the colon, but mesalamine's exact mechanism is not fully understood. Balsalazide can cause kidney and liver problems, while mesalamine can cause serious allergic reactions and intolerance syndrome. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them affordable options.

  • Balsalazide (Colazal)
    Mesalamine (Rowasa)
  • Balsalazide (Colazal)
    Mesalamine (Rowasa)

  • Summary of Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine (Rowasa) is an enema that's inserted into the rectum. It's used to treat adults with an inflammatory bowel condition known as ulcerative colitis (UC). This medication belongs to the drug class called aminosalicylates, and it works to lower swelling and inflammation in your colon (gut). The usual dosage is one enema inserted rectally every day at bedtime. Side effects include stomach cramps, gas, and headache. Mesalamine (Rowasa) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in people age 5 years and older
    Indications for
    •Certain types of ulcerative colitis (UC), including proctosigmoiditis and proctitis

  • Pros and Cons of Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    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
    Cons
    •Need to take three times per day
    •Can't take if you're allergic to salicylates, such as aspirin
    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Works directly in your colon to lower swelling
    •Good alternative if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in a sulfite-free version (sfRowasa)
    Cons
    •Can be uncomfortable or difficult to use for some people
    •Can cause unpleasant side effects, such as stomach pain, gas, nausea , and headache
    •Interacts with many medications, such as azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
    •Not approved for use in children

  • Common Side Effects of Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Joint pain (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain, cramps, or discomfort (8%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (5%)

  • Warnings of Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney damage
    •Kidney stones
    •Acute intolerance syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Skin that's sensitive to the sun
    •Caution in people with gut blockage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions and serious skin reactions
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Acute intolerance syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Colazal vs. Rowasa

    Learn more about Balsalazide
    Learn more about Mesalamine

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