Tablets
To treat active tuberculosis; must be used in conjunction with other antitubercular agents, such as isoniazid, streptomycin, and rifampin.
Aminosalicylate kills tuberculosis bacteria by preventing them from utilizing folic acid, a vitamin necessary for cell growth and reproduction.
Adults and teenagers: 4 to 6 grams every 12 hours; usually not more than 68 to 91 mg per lb of body weight a day. Children age 12 and under: 23 to 34 mg per lb of body weight every 12 hours. Aminosalicylate is taken in conjunction with other antitubercular agents.
Unknown.
Unknown.
Take it with or after meals or with an antacid to minimize stomach irritation.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take it as soon as you remember. This will help keep a constant level of medication in your system. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. Treatment may continue for months or years. The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor.
Prolonged use with high doses may cause swelling in the front of the neck, menstrual changes in women, decreased sexual ability in men, unusual weight gain, and dry, puffy skin. Consult your doctor about the need for periodic medical examinations and laboratory tests if you take this medication for a prolonged period.
Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you.
No special precautions are necessary.
Adequate studies of aminosalicylate use during pregnancy have not been done. Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Aminosalicylate passes into breast milk, but no problems have been documented.
No special warnings; children may tolerate the drug better than adults.
Do not take tablets that are brown or purple in color.
An overdose with aminosalicylate is unlikely.
Emergency instructions not applicable.
Do not take rifampin within six hours of taking aminosalicylate. Other drugs may interact with aminosalicylate. Consult your doctor if you are taking aminobenzoates or other over-the-counter or prescription medications.
None are anticipated, although aminosalicylate can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 and other nutrients; vitamin supplementation may be necessary.
Caution is advised when taking aminosalicylate. Consult your doctor if you have any of the following: gastric ulcers, epilepsy, heart disease, cancer, an overactive thyroid, or adrenal insufficiency. Use of aminosalicylate may cause complications in patients with liver or kidney disease, since these organs work together to remove the medication from the body.
