Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It works by delivering mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) directly to the colon, where it reduces inflammation and helps relieve symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Balsalazide is primarily used for short-term treatment to induce remission in active ulcerative colitis but may also be used for maintenance therapy in some cases.