AMINOSALICYLATE SODIUM

Brand & Generic Names

Nemasol-Sodium
P.A.S.
Tubasal

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antitubercular

Uses

Treatment for tuberculosis (TB).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Powder--Dissolve dose in water. Stir well and drink all liquid.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Prevents growth of TB germs.
Makes TB germs more susceptible to other antituberculosis drugs.

Time lapse before drug works:
6 months.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; rapid breathing; convulsions.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Painful urination, chills, low back pain, nausea, vomiting.
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Infrequent:

• Confusion, blood in urine.
• Headache; itchy, dry, puffy skin; rash; light sensitivity; sore throat; fever; swelling in front of neck; decreased sex drive in men; fatigue; weakness.
• Menstrual irregularities, weight gain.

Rare:

Jaundice.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to aminosalicylate sodium, aspirin or other salicylates.
• Tablets have turned brownish or purplish.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have ulcers in stomach or duodenum.
• If you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you have epilepsy.
• If you have adrenal insufficiency.
• If you have heart disease or congestive heart failure.
• If you have cancer.
• If you have overactive thyroid.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
No proven problems. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• Enlarged thyroid gland and decreased function.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function, kidney function.

Skin & sunlight:
Increased sensitivity to light.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• Treatment may need to continue for several years or indefinitely.
• Periodic blood tests and liver and kidney function studies recommended.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Aminobenzoic acid	Decreased effect of
(PABA)	aminosalicylate sodium.
Anticoagulants,	Increased anti-
oral*	coagulant effect.
Anticonvulsants,	Increased anti-
hydantoin*	convulsant effect.
Aspirin	Stomach irritation.
Barbiturates*	Oversedation.
Folic acid	Decreased effect of folic acid.
Probenecid	Increased aminosalicylate sodium
	effect. Possible toxicity.
Rifampin	Decreased rifampin effect.
Sulfa drugs*	Decreased effect of sulfa drugs.
Sulfinpyrazone	Increased aminosalicylate sodium
	effect. Possible toxicity.
Tetracyclines*	Reduced absorption of
	aminosalicylate sodium. Space
	doses 3 hours apart.
Vitamin B-12	Decreased absorption of
	vitamin B-12.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible liver disease.
Beverages:	None expected
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected, but tobacco smoking
	may slow recovery. Avoid.