Balsalazide Disodium
Balsalazide Disodium is a 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) prodrug used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It is converted to its active form, mesalamine, in the colon, where it reduces inflammation locally.
An anti-inflammatory medication for ulcerative colitis that works locally in the colon.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 153718
- Generic
- Balsalazide Disodium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- Colazal
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Balsalazide Disodium is primarily used to treat mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis in adults and children. It helps reduce symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain associated with this inflammatory bowel condition.
Balsalazide is a prodrug that remains inactive until it reaches the colon, where bacterial enzymes convert it to mesalamine (5-ASA). The active drug then works locally to inhibit inflammatory mediators, reduce prostaglandin synthesis, and modulate immune responses in the intestinal lining.
This medication is generally well-tolerated but may cause headache, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. It is contraindicated in patients with known salicylate or NSAID hypersensitivity. Patients with renal impairment should use caution. Always complete the full course of therapy as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy