Which are classified as aminosalicylate drugs?

Aminosalicylate drugs are primarily used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Sulfasalazine and mesalazine fall into this category due to their active ingredient, which contains 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). These medications work by decreasing inflammation in the lining of the intestine, providing symptomatic relief and contributing to remission in patients with these conditions.

Sulfasalazine is a prodrug that is split in the intestines into sulfapyridine and mesalazine, with the latter being the active component that exerts the anti-inflammatory effects. Mesalazine, in its pure form, is often used for patients who may experience side effects from sulfasalazine or who require a more targeted version of the treatment.

Other options provided do not belong to the aminosalicylate class. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are immunosuppressants used in various autoimmune diseases, but they do not have the specific action of aminosalicylates. Similarly, famotidine and ranitidine are H2 antagonists that reduce stomach acid production, while losartan and valsartan are angiotensin receptor blockers used primarily for hypertension