Aminosalicylate Drugs

Key points

• 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA) is released in the colon and is not absorbed. It acts locally as an anti-inflammatory. The mechanism of action is not fully understood but 5-ASA may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis Sulphasalazine
• a combination of sulphapyridine (a sulphonamide) and 5- ASA
• many side-effects are due to the sulphapyridine moiety: rashes, oligospermia, headache, Heinz body anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, lung fibrosis
• other side-effects are common to 5-ASA drugs (see mesalazine) Mesalazine
• a delayed release form of 5-ASA