Balsalazide
Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory prodrug belonging to the aminosalicylate class. It is metabolized in the colon by bacterial azo-reductases to release 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, mesalamine), which acts locally to reduce inflammation in the bowel wall.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults (capsules), the standard dosage is 2.25 g (three 750 mg capsules) taken 3 times daily (6.75 g/day) for up to 8 weeks. For pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years, the dosage is either 6.75 g/day (three 750 mg capsules 3 times daily) or 2.25 g/day (one 750 mg capsule 3 times daily) for up to 8 weeks. For Giazo tablets (adult males), the dose is 3 tablets (3.3 g) 2 times daily (6.6 g/day) for up to 8 weeks.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants or children in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Not established for pediatric patients under 5 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not established for children in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Typically not prescribed. Approved only for pediatric patients 5 years and older.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Use only under strict guidance of a pediatric specialist if the patient is 5 years or older.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants or children in this weight range. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Not established for pediatric patients under 5 years of age. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy not established for children in this weight range. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Typically not prescribed. Approved only for pediatric patients 5 years and older. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Use only under strict guidance of a pediatric specialist if the patient is 5 years or older. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis to induce remission in adults and pediatric patients aged 5 years and older.
Generic Name
Balsalazide disodiumBranded Drug Names
Balsalazide is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.