Uses

This medication is used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. The treatment of active tuberculosis infection requires taking several drugs in combination for 6 months or longer. This medication may be used as part of this combined drug treatment. Aminosalicylic acid is known as an antituberculosis antibiotic. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How to use Aminosalicylic Acid Granules

Do not take this medication if the packet is swollen or the granules have turned dark brown or purple instead of tan. This may be a sign that the medication has not been properly stored. See also Storage section.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily. This medication needs to be taken with an acidic food to properly work in your body. Open the packet and sprinkle your dose onto an acidic food such as applesauce, yogurt, or juice (such as tomato, orange, grapefruit, grape, cranberry, apple juice, or punch). Do not mix in other foods. If the granules are mixed in juice, stir to suspend the granules and drink all of the mixture right away. The granules will not dissolve in the prepared mixture. Do not crush or chew the granules before or while swallowing. Do not prepare a supply in advance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take this medication.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

You may notice the empty granule coatings in your stool. This is harmless.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.

Rarely, aminosalicylic acid may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver damage, usually within the first 3 months after starting treatment. Stop taking this medication and get medical help right away if you develop: rash followed by a fever, nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain enzyme problem (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD), kidney disease, liver problems, stomach ulcer.

Aminosalicylic acid may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using aminosalicylic acid before having any immunizations/vaccinations.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may decrease the amount of substances (such as vitamin B12) in your body. Your doctor may recommend that you take a nutritional supplement while taking this drug. Ask your doctor for details.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as albumin, urine tests for ketones/bilirubin), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as sputum exam/culture) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store in a refrigerator or freezer away from moisture. Brief storage at room temperature is permitted. Keep away from heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.