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Compare Lialda vs. Colazal

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

Key takeaways

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) and balsalazide (Colazal) are both used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), but they have some differences. Both medications belong to the same medication class called aminosalicylates and work by reducing inflammation in the gut. Mesalamine DR is a delayed-release tablet that is taken once a day with food, whereas, balsalazide is a capsule taken three times a day. Additionally, balsalazide can be taken with or without food, and its capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. Balsalazide may work better than mesalamine for UC flare-ups. Both medications can cause kidney and liver problems and a specific reaction called mesalamine-induced intolerance. Balsalazide can cause respiratory tract infections and joint pain, which is not common with mesalamine DR.

  • Mesalamine dr (Lialda)
    Balsalazide (Colazal)
  • Mesalamine dr (Lialda)
    Balsalazide (Colazal)

  • Summary of Lialda vs. Colazal

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is an aminosalicylate that's used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children. It's a delayed-release (DR) tablet that's taken by mouth once daily with food. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and stomach upset. Mesalamine DR (Lialda) also has a risk for serious skin rash and sensitivity to the sun (e.g., might sunburn more easily).

    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.

  • Indications of Lialda vs. Colazal

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children weighing at least 53 lbs
    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in people age 5 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Lialda vs. Colazal

    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Only available as an extended-release tablet that can't be crushed, broken, or chewed
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Lialda vs. Colazal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Abnormal liver enzyme levels (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Joint pain (4%)

  • Warnings of Lialda vs. Colazal

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lialda vs. Colazal

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