What is Pentasa?
Mesalamine, USA; Mesalazine, Europe (Pentasa) : Yet another “Azulfidine without the sulfa” formulation, this drug packages 5-ASA in a time-release capsule. This method of delivery is thought to make the drug available throughout most of the intestines and provide better release in the small intestine than the other 5-ASA drugs. For this reason Pentasa is the 5-ASA preparation of choice for Crohn’s disease involving the small intestine. Pentasa is generally well tolerated. The recommended dose is 2g a day though patients frequently seem to tolerate and benefit from taking up to 4g daily. There is data that the higher dose may be more effective.
