How does Dipentum (Olsalazine Sodium) work:

Dipentum (Olsalazine Sodium) belongs to a group of medicines called amino salicylates. Dipentum is used to treat a disease of the bowel called ulcerative colitis.

Dosage & Administration:

The usual starting dose is 250 to 500mg a day before gradually increasing your dose to 2 to 3g a day. A single dose should not exceed 1g. Once your condition is under control your physician may reduce your dose to 1g a day. Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water.

If you do not understand the instructions on the bottle, ask your physician or pharmacist for help.

Side Effects:

• diarrhoea
• nausea or vomiting
• upset stomach
• headache or dizziness
• rash, itching or sensitivity to sunlight
• fever or chills
• joint or muscle pain
• hair loss
• increased heart rate
• blurred vision
• pins and needles
• pain in passing urine
• blood in the urine
• fever
• sore throat
• mouth ulcers
• bruising or bleeding
• shortness of breath
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat or tongue
• rash, itching or hives on the skin

Precautions:

Do not take Dipentum if you have an allergy to olsalazine or salicylate, if you are taking any medicine for preventing blood clotting, you have any bleeding disorder, any stomach diseases such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.

Tell your physician if you have or have had any medical conditions especially any form of kidney disease or problems with your liver, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also tell your physician if you are taking other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.