GI: AMINOSALCYLATES

Question 1

AMINOSALCYLATES: INDICATIONS

Answer 1

• Ulcerative Colitis (MILD TO MODERATE)

- RA (Sulfasalazine)

Question 2

AMINOSALCYLATES: MOA

Answer 2

• M+S release 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid)

- Anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects which act topically rather than systematically on the gut

Question 3

AMINOSALCYLATES: ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 3

• Mesalazine generally causes fewer SEs than Sulfasalazine
• GI upset (nausea and dyspepsia)
• Headache
• Rare but serious blood complications - leucopenia and thrombocytopenia
• Renal impairment
• (S) causes OLIGOSPERMIA in men (decreased no. of sperm)
• Severe hypersensitivity rxns = fever, rash and liver abnormalities

Question 4

AMINOSALCYLATES: CONTRAINDICATIONS

Answer 4

• Contains Salicylic Acid, like aspirin

- Patients who have aspirin hypersensitivity should not take AMINOSALCYLATES

Question 5

AMINOSALCYLATES: INTERACTIONS

Answer 5

• pH sensitive coating that can interact with drugs that alter gut pH
• eg PPIs increase gastric pH so may cause the coating to be broken down prematurely
• Lactulose lowers stool pH and may prevent 5-ASA release in the colon

Question 6

AMINOSALCYLATES: EXAMPLES

Answer 6

Mesalazine, Sulfasalazine