Uses of Mesalamine

Mesalamine is used to treat and prevent mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease) in affected individuals. It is also used to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis which generally occurs as diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and/or stomach pain in affected individuals.

Therapeutic Category

Mesalamine: Salicylates

How Mesalamine works

Mesalamine works by suppressing the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers responsible for inflammation in the intestines) which results in reduced inflammation and ulceration thus providing relief from ulcerative colitis (and its associated symptoms) in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Mesalamine

• Indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence
• Headache, tiredness, weakness, fever
• Joint pain, back pain
• Changes in blood pressure
• Itching, rash

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• In case of accidental overdose or poisoning
• Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with symptoms such as reddish non-elevated, target-like/circular patches on the trunk associated with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and/or genitals
• Signs of acute intolerance syndrome such as cramping, severe stomach pain, bloody & excessive stools (diarrhoea), fever, headache, and/or rash
• Unexplained bruising (without injury), rash, anaemia, fever, sore throat, and/or unusual bleeding
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of tongue, lips/eyes
• Signs of increased pressure in brain such as headache, blurred/dimmed vision, double vision, brief/permanent vision loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and/or ringing in ears

Health Tips for Mesalamine

• Mesalamine should be used with caution during pregnancy and breast feeding only if it is clearly necessary
• Do not take Mesalamine if you are allergic to Mesalamine, salicylates, sulfasalazine, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine