Overview of Premid
Quick Facts
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Balsalazide disodium |
| Form | Oral capsule, film-coated tablet |
| Pharmacological class | Aminosalicylate (5-ASA derivative) |
| General purpose | Anti-inflammatory relief in the colon |
| Origin | Synthetic organic compound; Prodrug |
Premid is a prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient balsalazide disodium, which is classified as an aminosalicylate drug. This medication belongs to the foundational chemical family of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivatives, developed specifically to manage inflammatory conditions within the bowel, and is clinically recognized for its targeted action in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
What Type of Medicine is Premid (Balsalazide)?
Premid is a synthetic organic compound and a single-ingredient product belonging to the aminosalicylate pharmacological class. It is available for oral administration as either an oral capsule or a film-coated tablet. Aminosalicylates are designed to provide highly specific anti-inflammatory relief directly to the lining of the intestine, with the primary role of providing localized reduction in intestinal inflammation. This unique formulation is characterized by its action in controlling irritation in the bowel.
Understanding Premid's Prodrug Composition
The core of Premid's action lies in its chemical nature as a prodrug, meaning the administered balsalazide is pharmacologically inactive and requires conversion within the body to become effective. The unique structure of this prodrug formulation is essential for targeted delivery to the colon before the active component, mesalamine (5-ASA), is released. The prodrug design results in high drug concentrations being released directly into the large intestine while minimizing the amount absorbed systemically. This ensures the anti-inflammatory agent is concentrated precisely where the inflammation is located, maximizing the local anti-inflammatory effect.
Regulatory References

