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Aminosalicylic Acid

Pronounced

"a-MEE-noe-sal-i-SIL-ik AS-id"

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.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease. However, other drugs are usually used for these conditions.

How to Use This Medication

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.