balsalazide

Balsalazide is an oral prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis and the maintenance of remission. It consists of 5-ASA linked via an azo bond to the inert carrier 4-aminobenzoyl-β-alanine. This bond is specifically cleaved by bacterial azoreductases in the colon, releasing the active 5-ASA moiety directly at the site of colonic inflammation. This targeted delivery mechanism minimizes systemic absorption in the small intestine, thereby reducing the side effects typically associated with sulfasalazine, such as those caused by the sulfapyridine moiety. Balsalazide is approved for use in both adults and pediatric patients (ages 5 to 17) and is available in capsule and tablet formulations.

Brand names

ColazalColazideGiazo

Other names

balsalazide disodiumbalsalazide disodium dihydrate4-aminobenzoyl-beta-alanine-5-aminosalicylic acid