Asacol vs Pentasa. What is the Difference Between Pentasa and Asacol? Pentasa (mesalamine) and Asacol (mesalamine) are inflammatory drugs used to treat proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, and ulcerative colitis. Asacol and Pentasa are also used to stop the recurrence of ulcerative colitis symptoms. But what is the difference between these two drugs?
There is not much of a difference between Pentasa and Asacol. Both possess inflammatory ingredients used to ease bowel infections and diseases. Continue reading to learn more about these two drugs.
What is Asacol?
Asacol (mesalamine), an anti-inflammatory medication, is used to treat ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases. It is also prescribed for patients to avoid proctitis and proctosigmoiditis.
Other than these, it also aids in easing other ulcerative colitis symptoms such as stomach discomfort, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. It contains mesalamine, a member of the aminosalicylates drug class.
Asacol side effects
The following are a few adverse reactions that taking Asacol may cause:
- headache
- nausea
- Cold symptoms (runny nose, painful throat)
- belly ache
- diarrhea
- uneasy stomach
- gas
- influenza
- fever
- cough
Many of the medication’s mild side effects may disappear in a few days to a few weeks. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist if they affect your daily life.
What is Pentasa?
Similarly, for use in adults with ulcerative colitis, the FDA has approved the brand-name prescription medication Pentasa.
Inflammatory bowel illness is one kind of ulcerative colitis. It expands the lining of your colon and rectum and develops ulcers (minor sores). A patient’s UC symptoms may change over time because it is a chronic (long-term) disorder.
You could experience flare-ups (causing many symptoms) when the illness is active. Additionally, you might experience remissions, in which your symptoms improve or disappear.
In particular, Pentasa is advised for:
- induce UC remission
- treatment of mild to moderate UC
Pentasa side effects
Mild side effects of Pentasa are the following:
- joint pain
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- upset stomach
- headache
- hair loss
Most of these adverse effects may disappear in a few days or weeks. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist if they worsen or persist.
Meanwhile, Pentasa’s serious side effects may include the following:
- Liver issues. Symptoms include:
- jaundice
- pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
- Kidney problems. Symptoms include:
- swollen legs, ankles, or feet
- urinating a lesser amount than usual
- nausea
- confusion
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- Mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome. The Pentasa active ingredient, mesalamine, is incompatible with your body if you have this condition. Pentasa treats ulcerative colitis (UC), which might cause symptoms comparable to UC flare-ups. These symptoms can include:
- stomach cramps
- fever
- headache
- skin rash
- bloody diarrhea
- Severe skin rashes
- Bloody feces
- Worsened allergic reaction