Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Metronidazole
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Metronidazole: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Balsalazide requires colonic bacterial azoreductases to release mesalamine. Metronidazole acts on anaerobes and could theoretically lessen this conversion, but significant loss of efficacy has not been shown.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Balsalazide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction of colonic bacterial conversion of balsalazide to mesalamine.
What to do
No dose change is needed; reassess colitis symptoms if control worsens during the antibiotic course.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Balsalazide
Other interactions of Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Ergotamine + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Balsalazide requires colonic bacterial azoreductases to release mesalamine. Metronidazole acts on anaerobes and could theoretically lessen this conversion, but significant loss of efficacy has not been shown.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed; reassess colitis symptoms if control worsens during the antibiotic course.
What other medicines interact with Balsalazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Balsalazide with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Balsalazide page.
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