Anti-inflammatory medications - 5-Aminosalicylic acid derivatives

5-Aminosalicylic acid derivatives anti-inflammatory medications include:

• Balsalazide (Colazal and Giazo)
• Mesalamine (Asacol HD, Pentasa, Canasa, Lialda, Asacol, Rowasa, Salofalk, Delzicol, Apriso, and Canasa Pac)
• Olsalazine (Dipentum)
• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine EN-tabs and Azulfidine tablets)

I Would Like to Learn About:

Depletions

Taking sulfasalazine may deplete vitamin B9.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Low levels of folic acid in the body may be linked to:

• Anemia
• Heart disease
• Birth defects

Symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Mouth sores
• Swollen tongue
• Depression
• Poor growth

Editorial Note

The information presented here covers some of the nutrients that may be affected when you take certain medicines. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it does not always mean you have low levels of these nutrients.

Factors that affect the level of nutrients are:

• Your medical history
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• How long you have been taking the medicine

Please talk to your health care provider. They can best address your health care needs and see if you are at risk for low levels of any nutrients.

Supporting Research

Gold Standard Drug Database: Drug Monograph: Balsalazide, 2015. www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-675. Accessed July 12, 2016.

Gold Standard Drug Database: Drug Monograph: Mesalamine, 2016. www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-377. Accessed July 12, 2016.

Gold Standard Drug Database: Drug Monograph: Olsalazine, 2016. www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-451. Accessed July 12, 2016.

Gold Standard Drug Database: Drug Monograph: Sulfasalazine, 2016. www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/drug_monograph/6-s2.0-582. Accessed July7, 2016.

Greenbaum LA. Vitamin K deficiency. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 53.

Shenkin A, Roberts NB. Vitamins and trace elements. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, Bruns DE, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 31.

Review Date: 9/19/2016  

Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2023 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.