Dipentum (Olsalazine Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Dipentum Used For?
Dipentum is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat ulcerative colitis, a disease that affects the bowel.
Primary Uses
Dipentum is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
How It Works
Dipentum belongs to a group of medicines called amino salicylates, which help reduce inflammation in the bowel.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Dipentum
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as they may differ from general guidelines based on your specific condition.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily, gradually increasing to 2 g to 3 g daily (given in divided doses). A single dose should not exceed 1 g. Once your condition is controlled, your doctor may reduce your dose to 1 g daily. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water, soon after food, at about the same time each day. Do not switch between tablets and capsules without consulting your doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Watery diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Rash, itching or sun sensitivity
- Fever or chills
- Joint or muscle pain
- Hair loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, tongue or other body parts
- Severe rash, itching or hives
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Blurred vision
- Pins and needles sensation
- Pain when urinating
- Blood in urine
Important Warnings
There are several important situations where Dipentum should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Dipentum
Do not take Dipentum if you are allergic to olsalazine, salicylates (like aspirin), or any ingredients in the medicine. Also avoid if you are taking blood-thinning medications, have bleeding disorders, or have stomach diseases such as ulcers.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver problems, or severe allergies/asthma, as Dipentum may worsen these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Dipentum if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically tells you to. Your doctor will discuss all risks and benefits to help decide if it should be taken.
Blood Problem Warning: See your doctor immediately if you develop fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, bruising, or bleeding, as these may indicate a blood problem.
Drug Interactions
Dipentum can interact with other medications, potentially causing unwanted side effects.
Vaccination Alert: Tell your doctor if you have recently received a chickenpox vaccination.
- Heparin or warfarin (blood-thinning medicines)
- Mercaptopurine or thioguanine (leukemia treatments)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while taking Dipentum.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
No specific driving warnings are mentioned, though dizziness is listed as a possible side effect.
Storage
Keep Dipentum tablets or capsules in their original bottle until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill, or in a car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has taken too much Dipentum, immediately call your doctor, Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26, New Zealand 0800 764766), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Dipentum is not addictive according to the medication information.
Yes, you should take Dipentum soon after food for best results.
Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
No, do not switch from tablets to capsules or vice versa without first talking to your doctor.
Continue taking Dipentum for as long as your doctor tells you. This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it, so it’s important to keep taking it even if you feel well.
Contact your doctor, Poisons Information Centre, or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
No, do not take Dipentum if you are allergic to salicylates like aspirin, as it may cause an allergic reaction.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.