Aminosalicylates ( 5-ASA compounds )

AMINOSALICYLATES compounds that contain 5- aminosalicylic acid ( 5- ASA ) exact mechanism of action is not known but is thought that - they have an anti-inflammatory action due to ○ modulation of inflammatory cytokine production○ decreased transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-kappa B ○ inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes they are not immunosuppressant’s they act locally on the colon and are absorbed by colonic epithelial cells as they act locally within the lumen of the intestine achieving maximal conc of the agent at the site of the active disease is vital used in treatment of both UC and Crohn's but thought to be more effective in UC indications for use of 5-ASA's include○ treatment of mild to moderate UC , acute flare up○ maintenance of remission of UC○ treatment of active CD○ maintenance of remission of CD

PRODUCTS - availability of products may vary between regions newer 5-ASA's include mesalazine , osalazine and balsalazide and they are better tolerated than sulfasalazine mesalamine ( Pentasa ) does not contain the sulfa group and about 90 % of patients who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine due to the sulfa group can tolerate mesalamine

mesalamine coating influences where the drug would be...