Swallowing Pentasa

[tiloah]

I know there was a thread where we talked about Pentasa getting stuck in the throat, but I couldn't find it (I did try searching for it). I am developing a theory on why this happens. Feel free to tell me I'm crazy.

I learned about enteric coating in my biochemistry class a couple years ago. Pentasa is specifically formulated to "release" in the gut. I think this mechanism is similar to enteric coating (if not the same).

They will not dissolve in the acidic juices of the stomach (pH ~3), but they will in the alkaline (pH 7-9) environment present in the small intestine.

The pH of the mouth is generally neutral but can be alkaline (although I read somewhere online it becomes more acidic with age). So I think what happens is the enteric coating dissolves a bit in your mouth or in the water which makes it "sticky." I am *guessing* that this might be prevented if you take it with a small amount of something acidic (if you can tolerate it) like orange juice.

I just bought some probiotic pills that are enteric coated (this is what got my mind thinking about this) and they stuck in my throat yesterday. I'm going to try taking 'em with OJ and see if that helps. I'll report back. Maybe this is something everybody already knew and I am reinventing the wheel here...

 

[Astra]

Hiya

My Pentasa disolves either on my tongue with some water or in a small amount of water in a glass. It disolves into tiny tiny granules. Very easy to take. No problem.
Not sure whether my Pentasa is only available in the UK tho, I know Rebecca's is the same as mine.
You could check with your doc
xxx

 

[tiloah]

I don't take Pentasa anymore, but I remember somebody asking about it, so I thought I would post my thoughts.

When I did take it though, mine were gigantic purple capsules that weren't supposed to dissolve, because the coating is what determined where the medication got absorbed. It did contain the tiny granules though, IIRC.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Is this it?
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=14891&highlight=pentasa
I loooovvveee searching for old threads.

 

[tiloah]

Is this it?
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=14891&highlight=pentasa
I loooovvveee searching for old threads.

Yes! Thank you. Haha. Should I post there too or is this thread sufficient?

 

[Rebecca85]

Generally, it is the little beads/granules that have the special coating (rather than the whole pill). As far as I can tell you can get the beads in sachet form, inside a blue capsule, or 'glued' together to form a pill. The capsules may be opened and the beads put in water, provided you don't chew the beads. And the pills can be put in water which dissolves the 'glue' and releases the beads. It's the glue dissolving in your mouth which make them so darn sticky!

 

[tiloah]

Generally, it is the little beads/granules that have the special coating (rather than the whole pill). As far as I can tell you can get the beads in sachet form, inside a blue capsule, or 'glued' together to form a pill. The capsules may be opened and the beads put in water, provided you don't chew the beads. And the pills can be put in water which dissolves the 'glue' and releases the beads. It's the glue dissolving in your mouth which make them so darn sticky!

Very strange. But good to know I don't have to swallow those damn things if I go back on them someday...

I tried the orange juice with the probiotics and it worked like a charm.

 

[tummygirl]

I remember having a hard time swallowing pentasa. They were white powdery tablets and BIG. They would always get stuck. Traumatized me from taking any pills at all for a while.

 

[spcwife23]

im on pentasa right now, and i drop it all the way in the ack of my throat and try to drink the water as fast as i can before it gets all sticky in my mouth

 

[sara.eich]

I take Pentasa and taking mine with milk helps tremendously. However, most people with Crohn's can't seem to handle dairy. I handle dairy just fine though its orange juice that makes me hurt. Does anyone have problems with hair loss, sensitive skin or bruising easily though while on Pentasa? I was going to ask my doc about it at my next appointment but I am just so new to all of this...