The Basics
What is Balsalazide?
Used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Brand names for Balsalazide
Colazal
How Balsalazide is classified
Anti-Inflammatory Agents – Non-Steroidal, Gastrointestinal Agents
Balsalazide During Pregnancy
Balsalazide pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Balsalazide while pregnant
N/A
Taking Balsalazide While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Balsalazide?
Although no information exists on the excretion of balsalazide into breastmilk, it is metabolized to the active drug mesalamine. A few cases of diarrhea have been reported in infants exposed to mesalamine, although the rate is not high. Most experts consider mesalamine derivatives to be safe during breastfeeding.[1][2][3][4] If balsalazide is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but observe breastfed infants for diarrhea.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although no information exists on the excretion of balsalazide into breastmilk, it is metabolized to the active drug mesalamine. A few cases of diarrhea have been reported in infants exposed to mesalamine, although the rate is not high. Most experts consider mesalamine derivatives to be safe during breastfeeding.[1][2][3][4] If balsalazide is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding, but observe breastfed infants for diarrhea.
Possible effects of Balsalazide on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Balsalazide
Mesalamine, Sulfasalazine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Nielsen OH, Maxwell C, Hendel J. IBD medications during pregnancy and lactation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11:116-27. PMID: 23897285
2. Mahadevan U, Matro R. Care of the pregnant patient with inflammatory bowel disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126:401-12. PMID: 26241432
3. Nguyen GC, Seow CH, Maxwell C et al. The Toronto Consensus Statements for the Management of IBD in Pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2016;150:734-57. PMID: 26688268
4. van der Woude CJ, Ardizzone S, Bengtson MB et al. The second European evidenced-based consensus on reproduction and pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2015;9:107-24. PMID: 25602023
5. Nelis GF. Diarrhoea due to 5-aminosalicylic acid in breast milk. Lancet. 1989;333:383. Letter. PMID: 2563532
6. Ito S, Blajchman A, Stephenson M, Eliopoulos C, Koren G. Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168:1393-9. PMID: 8498418
7. Moretti ME, Spiczynski Y, Hashemi G et al. Prospective follow-up of infants exposed to 5-aminosalicylic acid containing drugs through maternal milk. J Clin Pharmacol. 1998;38:867. Abstract.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
