Pentasa 2g granules is an anti-inflammatory medication belonging to the aminosalicylates (5-ASA) class of drugs. It contains mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid). It is mainly used for treating adults suffering from mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, which are inflammatory bowel diseases. It reduces the inflammation of the bowels and provides relief from symptoms such as stomach aches, diarrhoea, and bleeding.
Benefits of Pentasa 2g containing 2mg mesalamine
Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition in which the lining of the colon and rectum of the large intestine become inflamed.
- Tiny open sores and ulcers develop in the colon causing episodes of bloody diarrhoea, mild to moderate abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, weakness, fatigue, and urgent bowel movements.
- Pentasa 2gm Prolonged Release Granules containing mesalamine helps soothe the inflamed intestinal lining.
- Inflammation reduction facilitates healing of the mucosa layer and causes abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhoea to subside.
Treatment of Crohn’s disease
- Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the digestive system, from mouth to anus.
- This inflammatory bowel disease causes the digestive tract to become inflamed and swollen.
- The symptoms may be mild to severe, such as abdominal pain, cramps, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, reduced appetite, mouth sores, etc.
- Pentasa 2g containing 2mg mesalamine as the active component is used to treat mild to moderate cases of Crohn’s disease.
- Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory substance that helps effectively reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups experienced in Crohn’s disease.
Working of mesalamine
- Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory substance.
- It functions by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals such as prostaglandins that play a vital role in the generation of an inflammatory response.
- Prostaglandins are lipid-based substances that function like local hormones and are the primary drivers of inflammation in the body.
- They widen the blood vessels causing swelling and redness and sensitize the nerve endings to pain.
- Mesalamine suppresses the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation in the intestines.
- This reduces ulceration, abdominal pain, bleeding as well as prevents future flare-ups of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Mechanism of action of Pentasa granules
Pentasa 2g granules contains mesalazine (2 gm), whose mechanism of action in the body is as follows:
Anti-inflammatory action
Mesalazine stops the production of inflammatory substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the intestinal lining. This helps to minimize inflammation locally in the bowel.
Antioxidant effect
It acts as an antioxidant by removing harmful free radicals in the body that cause inflammation and tissue damage in the intestines.
Local action
Mesalazine works directly on the inflamed regions of the large intestines, i.e. colon and rectum. Thus, it provides targeted relief rather than affecting the whole body.
Inhibition of prostaglandin
Cyclooxygenase enzymes serve as vital catalysts for the production of prostaglandins, which elicit the inflammatory response in ulcerative colitis. Pentasa 2g granules block the synthesis of Cyclooxygenase that produce prostaglandins.
Benefits of Pentasa 2g granules
| First line of treatment | Pentasa 2g is a highly effective and proven medication for primary treatment of mild to moderate UC. |
| Targeted action | Pentasa 2g granules directly deliver mesalamine, the anti-inflammatory substance directly to the inflamed regions of the colon, enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic uptake of the medicine. |
| Safety | Generally, it is easily tolerated compared to systemic corticosteroids, making it highly effective for long-term maintenance therapy. |
| Reduced risk of cancer | The use of Pentasa 2g granules has been closely linked with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in patients having UC. |
Directions for Use
Dosage
The total daily dosage varies and depends on the objective of treatment. For induction therapy in patients with UC, the dosage is higher.
On the other hand, the dosage is lower for maintenance therapy. Generally, one or two tablets per day are advised by the doctor.
Administration
Empty the contents of the sachet on the tongue and drink with a glass of water or juice. Do not break, chew, or crush the extended release granules. Doing this will affect the specialized delivery system, causing the drug to be released too early in the stomach. This will reduce the efficacy and increase the chances of systemic side effects. Swallow the granules completely and ensure none remain in the mouth. The timing of this medication may different from individual to individual. Follow the doctor’s instructions for this.
Consistency
Take the Pentasa PR granules 2g granules exactly as directed by the physician. Do not stop the course mid-way or even after symptoms improve to maintain remission and prevent relapse.
Side effects of Pentasa granules
Just like any other medication, Pentasa produces certain side effects. However, most of them are mild and do not require any medical attention. They disappear as the body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist, become worse, or if you are worried about them.
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash
- Burping
- Flatulence
Interaction of Pentasa with other drugs
Taking Pentasa with any of the following medications can modify the effect of either of them and produce certain unpleasant side effects.
| Drug | Possible interaction |
| Methotrexate | Severe |
| Azathioprine or Mercaptopurine | Moderate |
| Warfarin | Moderate |
| Corticosteroids | Moderate |
| Clozapine | Moderate |
| Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs | Moderate |
| Chlorpromazine | Mild |
Precautions and safety advice
| Kidney disease | Pentasa 2g granules should be used with caution in patients suffering from renal disease. Dosage adjustments may be required. It is not recommended for use by patients suffering from severe kidney disease. |
| Liver disease | Pentasa 2g granules should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver disease. Dosage adjustments may be needed. |
| Pregnancy | Pentasa 2g granules should not be used in pregnancy unless required. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. |
| Breastfeeding | Pentasa 2g granules should not be used in lactating mothers. Inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. |
| Alcohol | Alcohol should be consumed with caution with Mesalazine. |
FAQs
1. Can Pentasa 2g granules Mesalazine 2mg be taken with food?
A. Pentasa 2g granules containing 2mg Mesalazine can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food can help reduce stomach discomfort.
2. How long does it take for Mesalazine to work in the body?
A. You can see visible improvements within 3-4 weeks. However, you can continue taking up to 3 months for complete benefits. Continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor without stopping half way.
3. My symptoms for inflammatory bowel disease have improved. Should I stop taking Pentasa 2g granules?
A. No, continue taking Pentasa 2g granules as prescribed by the doctor, even if you feel better at the start of your treatment. Do not stop taking Pentasa 2gm granules without consulting your doctor as there could be a possibility of relapse.
4. Can I drink alcohol while taking Mesalazine?
A. If you have ulcerative colitis you should avoid drinking alcohol, as it will cause stomach and intestine irritation that make the condition worse. Alcohol does not interfere with the functioning of Pentasa 2g granules. However, you should consult your doctor prior to taking alcohol.
5. What are the storage conditions for Pentasa 2g granules?
- Store the Pentasa 2gm sachet at 30°C.
- Protect the medicine from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
- Always check the expiry date prior to consuming it.
- Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.