Mesalazine
Description
Mesalazine is an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by swelling and scarring of the colon and rectum. It is also used to control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Mesalazine
- Hypersensitivity
- Abdominal and stomach pain
- Blurred vision
- Bloating
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
Uses of Mesalazine
What is it prescribed for?
- Ulcerative Colitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effect is subject to vary based on the strength and form of administration.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to mesalazine or any other components present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Use in pediatrics
The oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 5 years. The rectal form of this medicine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.
Geriatric use
Caution is advised while using this medicine in elderly patients due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects.
Use of NSAIDs
Use of NSAIDs along with this medicine may increase the risk of renal impairment. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision. It is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with Mesalazine to avoid such interactions.
Active peptic ulcer disease
Caution is advised while using this medicine in patients with active peptic ulcer disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose. Symptomatic and supportive therapy is warranted in case of an overdose with delayed-release tablets of Mesalazine. Overdosage with Mesalazine suppository is rare due to limited absorption from the colon.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Tacrolimus
Adefovir
Deferasirox
Botulism immune globulin
Disease interactions
Impaired liver function
Caution is advised while using Mesalazine or its prodrugs in patients with an impaired liver function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects including liver failure. It is recommended to assess the liver function prior to initiating therapy. Close monitoring of liver function may be required based on the clinical condition.
Renal impairment
Caution is advised while using Mesalazine or its prodrugs in patients with an impaired renal function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects including kidney failure. It is recommended to assess the renal function prior to initiating therapy. Close monitoring of renal function may be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Mesalazine with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Mesalazine reduces the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and prevents the worsening of symptoms by blocking the production of certain natural substances in the colon and rectum.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anti-inflammatory agents, Bowel specific anti-inflammatory aminosalicylate
Schedule
Schedule H
Mesalamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Mesalamine suspension [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Asacol- Mesalamine tablet, delayed release [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Canasa - Mesalamine suppository [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
Mesalazine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
Mesalazine [Internet]. Snomedbrowser.com. 2017 [cited 30 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.