General Information

Mesalazine is prescribed for patients with ulcerative colitis and is sometimes used for Crohn’s disease, which affects the large intestine. The drug is given to relieve symptoms in an acute attack and is also taken as a preventative measure. When mesalazine is used to treat severe cases, it is often taken with other drugs such as corticosteroids.

When taken in tablet form, the active component of the drug is released in the large intestine, where its local effect relieves the inflamed mucosa. Enemas and suppositories are also available and are particularly useful when the disease affects the rectum and lower colon.

This drug produces fewer side effects than some older treatments, such as sulphasalazine. Patients who are unable to tolerate sulphasalazine may be able to take mesalazine without any problems.

Information for Users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken
          
Tablets, suppositories, enema.

Frequency and timing of doses

3 x daily, swallowed whole and not chewed (tablets); 3 x daily (suppositories); once daily at bedtime (enema).

Adult dosage range

Acute attack 1.5-2.4g daily; maintenance 750mg-2.4g daily.

Onset of effect

Adverse effects may be noticed within a few days, but full beneficial effects may not be felt for a couple of weeks.

Duration of action

Up to 12 hours.

Diet advice

Your doctor may advise you, taking account of the condition affecting you.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects
The common side effects of mesalazine are on the gastrointestinal tract. Other problems rarely occur. However, unexplained bleeding, bruising, sore throat, fever, or malaise should be reported to your doctor, who will carry out a blood test to eliminate blood disorders.

Quick Reference

Drug group Drug for inflammatory bowel disease.
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You are allergic to aspirin.

You are taking other medications.
 
Pregnancy

Negligible amounts of the drug cross the placenta. However, safety in pregnancy is not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

Negligible amounts of the drug pass into the breast milk. However, safety is not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not recommended under 15 years.
 
Over 60

Dosage reduction not normally necessary unless there is a kidney impairment.

Driving and hazardous work

No special problems.
 
Alcohol

No special problems.
 
Prolonged Use

No problems expected.

Interactions

Lactulose
The release of mesalazine at its site of action may be reduced by lactulose.