Health Library

Aminosalicylic acid (By mouth)

Aminosalicylic Acid (a-mee-noe-sal-i-SIL-ik AS-id)

Treats tuberculosis (TB) in combination with other drugs.

Brand Name(s):

Paser

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Granule, Coated Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor orders, even if you feel better. If you stop using the medicine too soon, your TB may not completely go away.
• Sprinkle the granules over applesauce or yogurt and swallow the granules without chewing.
• You can also float the granules in acidic juices, such as tomato, grape, grapefruit, cranberry, apple, orange, or fruit punch, and then drink quickly. Do not chew the granules.
• Swirl the granules in your drinking glass if they start to sink.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the coated tablet. Swallow it whole.
• You may take the medicine with a meal if it upsets your stomach.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the granules in the refrigerator or freezer. Store the coated tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• You should not use the granules if the packet is swollen or if the granules have lost their tan color, look purple, or look dark brown. Get a new packet of medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell you doctor if you are using digoxin or isoniazid (INH).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your before using this medicine.
• You may see the shell of the granules in your bowel movements after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is normal.
• Talk with your doctor before using aminosalicylic acid if you have liver, or kidney disease, stomach ulcer, hepatitis, or a vitamin deficiency.
• This medicine may change the results of some tests used to check your urine for ketones. If you have diabetes, make sure you know what strips you can use to test accurately your urine for ketones.
• Your doctor may give you vitamin B-12 shots if you use this medicine for more than one month.
• This medicine may cause nausea, diarrhea, or appetite loss. Sometimes, these effects can be a sign of a serious reaction if you also have a rash or fever. Tell your doctor if you have a rash followed by a fever, nausea, diarrhea, or appetite loss.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores
• Bloody urine, pink urine
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Skin rash and fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, diarrhea, appetite loss without a rash or fever
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024