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5-aminosalicylate

Olsalazine sodium

Brand names: Dipentum

Olsalazine is an aminosalicylate used to treat mild ulcerative colitis and to maintain remission.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It consists of two molecules of mesalazine linked by an azo bond that is cleaved by colonic bacteria, releasing mesalazine to act topically on inflamed bowel mucosa.

Prescribing in practice

  • Watch for blood dyscrasias and advise patients to report unexplained bleeding, bruising, sore throat or fever for prompt blood count assessment.
  • Watery diarrhoea is a recognised effect that may be reduced by taking doses with food.
  • Use cautiously in renal impairment given the nephrotoxic potential of aminosalicylates.

Monitoring

Monitor renal function and full blood count during treatment, and review for any deterioration in bowel symptoms.

Counselling the patient

  • Advise patients to take the medicine with food and to report persistent watery diarrhoea.
  • Tell patients to seek prompt advice if they develop a sore throat, fever, bruising or unexplained bleeding.

Evidence & guidelines

Aminosalicylates such as olsalazine are established treatments for ulcerative colitis, used in accordance with NICE guidance and current prescribing references.

Reference: NICE NG130; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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