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Olsalazine

Prescription
Aminosalicylate (5-ASA Dimer)
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Dimer of two 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) molecules linked by azo bond, cleaved by colonic bacteria releasing active 5-ASA locally. Unlike sulfasalazine, no sulfapyridine carrier — avoids sulfonamide side effects (KCS, allergy).

At a glance

Class
Aminosalicylate (5-ASA Dimer)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for colitis when sulfasalazine causes intolerable side effects (KCS, sulfon
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8h
🐈

Cat

Preferred over sulfasalazine for feline colitis (cats sensitive to salicylates a
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8–12h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Clinical colitis responseStool consistency (paradoxical diarrhea)Renal function with prolonged use
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Dipentum

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Olsalazine?
Olsalazine is a aminosalicylate (5-asa dimer) used in pets. Dimer of two 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) molecules linked by azo bond, cleaved by colonic bacteria releasing active 5-ASA locally. Unlike sulfasalazine, no sulfapyridine carrier — avoids sulfonamide side effects (KCS, allergy).
What is Olsalazine used for in pets?
Olsalazine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for colitis when sulfasalazine causes intolerable side effects (KCS, sulfon; Preferred over sulfasalazine for feline colitis (cats sensitive to salicylates a.
What is the Olsalazine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Olsalazine is typically dosed as follows — Used for colitis when sulfasalazine causes intolerable side effects (KCS, sulfon: 5–10 mg/kg PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Olsalazine dose for cats?
For cats, Olsalazine is typically dosed as follows — Preferred over sulfasalazine for feline colitis (cats sensitive to salicylates a: 5–10 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Olsalazine need a prescription?
Yes. Olsalazine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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