Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Description

About

The digestive tract in the human body aids in processing edible sustenance by extracting nutrients and water from it and discarding the waste, passing it down to the rectum to be excreted. An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) constitutes a group of GIT conditions affecting people globally. Ulcerative colitis is an IBD that majorly affects the colon.  Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called Aminosalicylates, used to manage inflammation of the bowels. It can help combat and prevent and abate these conditions into remission which is known to have a frequently recurring pattern.

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Mesalazine, which works by controlling the inflammation of the colon, achieved via several mechanisms, one being inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins from the inner coverings of the gut. Time taken by Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S to give you relief depends on the severity of your symptoms and may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. 

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets on prescription to be swallowed via mouth with a glass of water, 3 to 6 tablets are usually taken in 2 to 3 divided doses depending on your symptoms. For better results Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is taken before meals, but do not crush or chew the tablet.  Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S can safely be prescribed to adults and children. In case of pregnancy and lactation, ask your doctor first due to potentially harmful effects on the unborn baby. The most common side effects observed with Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S are nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, changes in the blood, etc. 

 Indications

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is prescribed to children and adults to treat inflammatory bowel disease :

• Ulcerative colitis 
• Crohn’s disease
• Ileo – colitis 

How Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S Works

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Mesalazine, which works by controlling the inflammation of the colon, achieved via several mechanisms still unclear. However, one theory suggests inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins from the inner coverings of the gut helps alleviate inflammation. 

How to use Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets, swallow the medicine with a glass of water without chewing (alongside a meal preferably). Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is taken at the same time every day until the prescribed time to maintain equal blood levels. Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is taken orally in tablet form as per recommended doses. It also depends on the release mechanism of the medicine. Tablets are taken 2 to 3 times a day, follow your doctor’s advice.  

It is usually taken at 8 to 12 hourly intervals.  Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S should be taken at a set time and for the prescribed length of time, not exceeding it. The patient in general starts to feel better in a couple of weeks, make sure to complete the entire course even if you feel better. Treatment can last for longer durations depending on your condition. The release mechanism is also crucial about its toe. 

Slow Release: These types of medicines are formulated to release their chemical contents slowly after ingestion over some time to allow patients to gain benefits on a prolonged basis. Usually, these maintain steady levels in the blood and are required to be taken once or twice. These are labeled as “SR” at the end of the brand name.

Delayed-release:  These types of medicines are formulated to release their chemical contents sometime after taking them orally. The coating on these medicines prevents the drug to be used up too soon. These may be labeled as “DR” at the end of the brand name.

Available Potency and forms of Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S 

400 mg – Tablets (Delayed-release)

500 mg – Tablets (Slow Release)

800 mg – Tablets (Delayed-release)

Dosage

Adult Dosage

Ulcerative Colitis (Mild to Moderate)

Delayed release tablets

Treatment: A total of 1.6 to 2.4 g to be taken orally every day, in three divided doses

Prevention/ maintenance of remission: 1 to 1.6 g to be taken orally every day, in three divided doses

Slow release tablets

Treatment: A total of 4 g to be taken orally in four divided doses, as 2 tablets per dose 

Prevention/ maintenance of remission: A total of 2 g (4 tablets of 500 mg per day) to be taken orally in two divided doses

Duration: 8 weeks

Crohn`s Disease: 

1 to 1.6 g  in divided doses  to be taken orally in two or three divided doses

Child Dose

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S can be given safely to children 5 years and above. Follow your doctor’s prescription

Mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment normally lasts for 6 to 8 weeks

 5 years and above  

17 – 30 kg: 36 – 71 mg/kg/day to be given orally in divided doses twice daily

Maximum safe dose: 1.2 g/day

30 to 54 kg: 37 – 61 mg/kg/day to be given orally in divided doses twice daily

Maximum safe dose: 2 g/day

55 to 90 kg: 27 to 44 mg/kg/day to be given orally in divided doses twice daily

Maximum safe dose: 2.4 g/day

Elderly dose

The safety concerns of Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S in the elderly population are valid, hence caution must be taken. Your doctor should set the most appropriate dose for you based on your medical history. Doses are adjusted according to a liver impairment or other medications being taken concurrently with the current disease status, or other serious conditions. 

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is categorized as FDA pregnancy category C which means that you should not take it during pregnancy due to potentially harmful effects on unborn babies. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive a baby, please discuss Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S with your doctor before using it.

If you are breastfeeding an infant ask your doctor if the amount of medicine secreted into breast milk is unclear. With regards to safety please make sure to consult your doctor first before taking it. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S or salicylates 
• Liver impairment 
• Chronic kidney disease with impaired function 
• Children younger than 5 years of age 
• Pregnancy 
• Active gastric/duodenal ulcers
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Porphyria 
• Concomitantnt use of Lactulose or similar products 

Precautions‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ before starting or during the treatment with ‌Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S:‌ 

• If there is a history of allergy to medicines or products that contain salicylates. Carefully read the contents of this product to avoid any future inconvenience 
• Cardiac Hypersensitivity Reactions are known to occur, caution should be used in patients with known drug allergies
• Adequacy of the liver  must be ensured first 
• In case a kidney disease compromises its function, ‌Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is best avoided. However, in mild to moderate impairment, if taken caution is advised 
• If you ever had problems while using sulfasalazine (an anti-inflammatory drug), discuss it with your doctor 
• Patients suffering from chronic gut disease must be careful, especially those with a history or an existing Gastrointestinal Perforation/ bleeding must avoid it
• Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S can result in abnormal bleeding or blood disorders. Report to your doctor if you notice abnormal bleeding such as bruises or in stool, cough, vomit,  nose, etc
• Elderly patients (60 years and above) are at an increased risk of side effects, hence practice caution in this age group
• Treatment with Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S can also increase the risk of infections due to suppression of inflammation, prevent getting  any infections
• Concomitantnt use of analgesics like NSAIDs that are toxic to kidney sold be avoided, ask your doctor for the r safest painkillers
• Alcoholintakeke should be restricted since it can cause unnecessary irritation.
• While undergoing tests, provide a list to your lab personnel 

Interaction With Other Medications

Following drugs can interact with Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S and potentiate or reduce the effects when used concomitantly. Some of these drugs are:

• Proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole, esomeprazole, etc
• H2 receptor blockers like nizatidine
• Azathioprine 
• Aspirin 
• Celecoxib 
• Diflunisal 
• Lactulose 
• Mercaptopurine
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen, mefenemic acid, ketorolac 
• Probenecid 
• Sulfasalazine 
• Varicella vaccine
• Warfarin 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects:

• Nausea 
• Constipation /Diarrhea  
• Headache 
• Skin rash
• Pruritis 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Malaise 
• Fatigue 

Less Common side effects:

• Anaphylactic reaction 
• Fever 
• Paresthesia of limbs 
• Thrombocytopenia 
• Steven johnson syndrome
• Hair loss 
• Aggravation of symptoms of colitis 
• Dry cough
• Breathing difficulty
• Acne 
• Liver damage 
• Flu-like syndrome 
• Jaundice 

 HOW TO COPE-UP  WITH SOME ADVERSE EFFECTS

Allergic Reactions – Allergic reactions to the drug may be mild to severe or potentially could be life-threatening. If allergy is suspected immediately take anti-allergy (antihistamine) medicine which will stop the mild reaction. If a serious allergic reaction is suspected, rush to the nearby hospital and avoid Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S and drugs with similar compounds in the future.

Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe

Skin Rash – Can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. Antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

Constipation – Can be combated by adding more fibers to the patient’s diet, asking the patient to drink plenty of fluids, and increasing their physical activity to trigger contractions in the intestines.

Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

Flu-like symptoms – To manage symptoms, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest and sleep. Take an antihistamine, a nasal decongestant, or a lozenge to feel better when needed.

FAQs

#1. How Does Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S Work?

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S shows enhanced digestive effects on the body by inhibiting certain chemicals such as dopamine and acetylcholinesterase, which mediate prokinetic effects. It affects the tone of the food pipe (esophagus) and contractive forces of peristalsis aid in digestion, and help prevent reflux of stomach contents as well as prevent vomiting. 

#2. For How Long Should I Take Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S? 

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is taken as per doctors’ recommendation, depending on your condition. It the commonly prescribed for 8 weeks or so but the duration may vary, follow your prescription strictly. 

#3. Is Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S Highly Addictive?

No, it is not considered to be addictive and does not cause any dependence (physical and psychological)

#4. Can I Drink Alcohol With Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S may cause undue intestinal irritation and could increase the risk of side effects, hence should be avoided or restricted to small amounts. 

#5. What If I Take Too Much Of Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S you may experience symptoms of overdose, for example, fast or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, abdominal pain, or life-threatening severe symptoms. Contact your doctor or rush to the nearby emergency immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#6. What If I Forget To Take Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S is taken 2-3 times a day, one hour before meals so you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s less than 6 hours until your next dose if you are taking regular tablets. If the period for the next period is near, you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set the alarm or use a pill organizer or a mobile application so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#7. Can I Take Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S has a safety concern for pregnant women and breastfed infants. If you are pregnant, feel like you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor before using Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S. Also if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S. 

#8. Can I Drive Or Ride A Bike After Taking Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

In general Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S does not cause drowsiness and dizziness but make sure you know how your body reacts while using Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S. In case of dizziness do not drive or use any machinery/sharp tools until you feel normal again

#9. How Should Masacol 400mg Tablet 10 ‘S Be Stored?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of unused medicine when treatment is over.

#10. Are there any lifestyle changes that can help me with my condition?

Small changes in your daily lifestyle can help you with symptoms of colitis which is a recurring condition affecting individuals for life:

• Quit or limit smoking to the minimum 
• Highlight and avoid problematic food items. Food high in fat content and dairy items can aggravate your condition
• Try to incorporate healthy food options into your meals such as fresh fruits and vegetables, more fiber and protein
• An adequate amount of water should be taken daily
• Carbonated drinks and soda should be best avoided
• Discuss with your doctor about most appropriate food supplements you may be required to take.