A compound that, on administration, must undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming the pharmacologically active drug for which it is a prodrug.
An anti-inflammatory drug that is not a steroid. In addition to anti-inflammatory actions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have analgesic, antipyretic, and platelet-inhibitory actions. They act by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, which converts arachidonic acid to cyclic endoperoxides, precursors of prostaglandins.
A drug used for its effects on the gastrointestinal system, e.g. controlling gastric acidity, regulating gastrointestinal motility and water flow, and improving digestion.
Balsalazide is a prodrug, releasing the anti-inflammatory mesalazine in the large intestine. Generally administered as its disodium salt, it is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.