According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, an estimated 1.4 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Colazal for the treatment of mild to moderate colitis in people 5 years of age and older.
Causes and Symptoms
People who experience frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, difficulty passing stool, abdominal pain and cramping might have ulcerative colitis. This chronic disease of the large intestine occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks food in the intestines. The subsequent increase in concentration of white blood cells causes ongoing inflammation of the intestine lining and can lead to bleeding ulcers. Other less common but potential symptoms are skin lesions, liver problems, joint pain and eye inflammation.
How Colazal Works
Colazol blocks the colon's production of substances that metabolize acids and reduces inflammation in the large intestine. Once the medication is absorbed into the body, it breaks down into active and inactive components. People who experience adverse reactions to Colazol might be hypersensitive to any of the components.
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, no known cure exists for ulcerative colitis except for surgical removal of the colon. The goal of therapy is to reduce the severity of symptoms by suppressing intestinal inflammation and irritation. Doctors usually take X-rays and conduct tests on stool specimens to verify the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis to rule out more serious conditions. If Colazal is prescribed for treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults, the Food and Drug Administration recommends a dosage of 750 mg three times a day for eight to 12 weeks.
Side-Effects
Common side-effects of Colazal include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Consult a medical professional regarding these and other more serious side-effects such as severe allergic reaction and dark urine. Alternatives to Colazal therapy include dietary changes and acupuncture.
