Lialda Dosage Information: Forms available, strength details, administration instructions, and additional details provided.
Lialda, a brand-name medication, is a prescription drug approved by the FDA to treat ulcerative colitis in adults and certain children. This medication contains the active drug mesalamine and is classified as an aminosalicylate.
Dosage and Administration
Lialda comes as delayed-release oral tablets, meaning the medication is designed to slowly release the dose over time. The tablets are available in one strength: 1.2 grams (g).
For treating ulcerative colitis in adults, the usual starting dosage is 2.4 g to 4.8 g of Lialda once per day. This equates to two to four 1.2-g tablets. For children who weigh at least 24 kilograms (about 53 pounds), dosages are based on weight.
It's important to note that the dosage for Lialda and another ulcerative colitis medication, Apriso, may differ due to their different uses. While both are used to treat ulcerative colitis, Apriso is only approved to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis in adults.
Usage and Precautions
Lialda should be taken with food and while staying hydrated. To ensure the medication works effectively, it should not be crushed, split, or chewed, as it has a special coating that helps prevent the drug from being released until it reaches the lower intestine.
If a dose of Lialda is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but if it's almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped.
Long-term Treatment
Lialda is meant to be used as a long-term treatment for ulcerative colitis. Treatment duration is typically chronic, as ulcerative colitis is a relapsing condition requiring ongoing therapy. For long-term maintenance (preventing flare-ups after remission), the dose is usually reduced to minimize side effects but still provide effective control.
Safety Considerations
If you believe you've taken too much Lialda, call your doctor right away or the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222. Symptoms of a Lialda overdose can include nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen, tinnitus, rapid, shallow breathing, headache, confusion, dizziness, seizures, kidney and liver damage, and in severe cases.
Off-label Uses
While Lialda isn't approved to treat Crohn's disease, it may be prescribed off-label for this use. The dosage for this off-label use would be determined by a doctor.
Additional Resources
For more information about Lialda, additional resources include articles on its other aspects, side effects, and details about ulcerative colitis. Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor, and do not change your dosage without their recommendation.
- Lialda, a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis, is an aminosalicylate drug developed by AbbVie.
- Lialda is not recommended for the treatment of Crohn's disease, but it may be prescribed off-label for this purpose.
- In addition to ulcerative colitis, other chronic medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease may also require long-term management.
- Health and wellness, especially for individuals with chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, ulcerative colitis, and other medical conditions, benefit from ongoing scientific research and medical advancements.
