What is Mesalamine
MesalazineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMesalazine is a medication used to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It belongs to the same family of drugs as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and is related to salicylates. Mesalazine has been used to treat and maintain remission for ulcerative colitis, but historically has had difficulty maintaining stability as a pharmaceutical. Recent research initiatives have developed more stable formulations, such as Asacol’s eudragit-S coating and Pentasa’s microgranules. Research into novel methods to stabilize mesalazine continues and its potential to reduce the risk of
Rowasais the brand name
Mesalamine Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Rowasa
Mesalazine
1988
107
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Mesalazine, otherwise called Rowasa, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease .Ulcerative Colitis
Helps manage Ulcerative Colitis Acute
Crohn Disease
Effectiveness
How Mesalamine Affects PatientsMesalazine is one of the two ingredients in the drug sulphasalazine, which is used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation and stopping leukocytes from moving and producing free radicals. Mesalazine is mainly effective when taken locally, rather than systemically. In studies with mice and guinea pigs, mesalazine was found to be as effective as prednisone and sulphasalazine in reducing colitis symptoms.
How Mesalamine works in the bodyMesalazine works by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the colon. This includes blocking the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammation. It also activates certain receptors and inhibits enzymes that are linked to inflammation. Additionally, it helps to reduce leukocyte migration and decrease free radical formation, which can reduce inflammation.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Mesalamine is contingent upon the specified disorder. The amount of dosage also relies upon the approach of administration outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Crohn Disease
, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 20.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg, 0.4 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 400.0 mg/mL, 1200.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 1600.0 mg
, Suppository - Rectal, Suspension, Rectal, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Tablet, delayed release, Kit, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, delayed release, Enema; Liquid, Suppository, Capsule - Oral, Suspension - Rectal, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Enema - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Enema; Kit, Enema, Kit - Rectal, Enema; Kit - Rectal
Ulcerative Colitis
, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 500.0 mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 20.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg, 0.4 mg/mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 400.0 mg/mL, 1200.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 1600.0 mg
, Suppository - Rectal, Suspension, Rectal, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Tablet, delayed release, Kit, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, delayed release, Enema; Liquid, Suppository, Capsule - Oral, Suspension - Rectal, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Enema - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Enema; Kit, Enema, Kit - Rectal, Enema; Kit - Rectal
Warnings
Mesalamine has eight contraindications, so it should not be administered when one is going through any of the conditions detailed in the ensuing table.Mesalamine ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
Urinary tract obstruction
Do Not Combine
Anus Diseases
Do Not Combine
Curling Ulcer
Do Not Combine
Gastric Ulcer
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Mesalazine may interact with Anus Diseases
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Mesalazine may interact with Anus Diseases
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Mesalazine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Mesalamine Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Macimorelin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Macimorelin can be decreased when used in combination with Mesalazine.
Mifamurtide
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Mifamurtide can be decreased when used in combination with Mesalazine.
Neomycin
Major
The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Mesalazine is combined with Neomycin.
Omacetaxine mepesuccinate
Major
The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Mesalazine is combined with Omacetaxine mepesuccinate.
Probenecid
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Probenecid can be decreased when used in combination with Mesalazine.
Mesalamine Toxicity & Overdose RiskIn two-year studies, mesalazine did not increase the risk of cancer in rats when given up to 320mg/kg/day. It also did not cause any changes to fertility or reproduction. Symptoms of an overdose on mesalazine include nausea, vomiting, fast or deep breathing, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, confusion, and seizures. If this happens, treatment can include removing the drug from the body and correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances. People with kidney problems should be monitored closely when taking mesalazine.
Mesalamine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mesalamine?
Currently, 96 trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Mesalamine to alleviate symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Ulcerative Colitis
99 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Crohn Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Mesalamine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mesalamine?
5Patient Review
7/2/2022 This suppository has been nothing short of a godsend. I was experiencing a year of extreme discomfort due to ulceration, but this treatment completely changed my life. It's easy to use and I haven't experienced any negative side effects.
5Patient Review
2/13/2008 I took this asacol for ulcerative colitis a few months ago. It worked well at first, but then my diarrhea came back and hasn't gone away since. Now I have to take prednisone in addition to this medication, which is frustrating.
5Patient Review
8/4/2009 This was used to treat my Crohn's disease and it appears to have been successful.
5Patient Review
9/6/2011 Mesalamine oral and enema treatments unfortunately made my UC worse. Prednisone was the only thing that provided temporary relief from symptoms.
4.7Patient Review
3/14/2012 I've tried this medication both orally and as a suppository, but I'm still having issues with bleeding and diarrhea a few times per week.
4.7Patient Review
1/9/2009 The drug works, but it's not as fast-acting as I would like.
4.3Patient Review
6/2/2009 I really appreciate how Lialda has helped me. I take it once a day in the morning, and then Imuran at night. It's been great to be able to stick with just two medications instead of several smaller doses throughout the day.
4.3Patient Review
3/22/2019 I had a great experience with this medication. I didn't have any side effects and it put my disease into remission.
4.3Patient Review
3/1/2009 I've been using this medication for over two years now with only a single flare-up of symptoms.
4Patient Review
6/8/2020 After being diagnosed with UC, I've been pretty careful about sticking to the dosage of my medication. I had one mild flare 8 months after starting the meds, but since then (5 months) everything has been normal.
4Patient Review
5/6/2017 This medication has been a lifesaver for me. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis/proctitis about a month ago and started taking this medication. Within the first week, I started seeing results. My stools are now normal and I don't have any more bloody or mucus diarrhea.
3Patient Review
9/24/2011 I've been using this treatment for 15 years and it's kept my condition well under control.
3Patient Review
5/20/2015 Unfortunately, this made my symptoms worse. I had severe cramping and diarrhea.
2.7Patient Review
1/1/2016 I've been living with UC for 15 years and cannabis has really helped to manage my symptoms. I would urge anyone else in a similar situation to give it a try.
2.7Patient Review
1/13/20082.3Patient Review
5/22/2010 This medication has been successful in putting my Crohn's disease into remission.
2Patient Review
7/11/2014 My colon healed up almost completely after using this medication for three years. I had one short flare-up, but it was easily resolved by increasing the dose and then tapering back down again. I did have some side effects when I first started taking it, like headaches, bloating, and dizziness. But after a few months of use, I didn't experience any of those anymore.
1.7Patient Review
10/17/2017 I regret switching from Lialda to the generic brand. The hair loss I've experienced is not worth the savings.
Patient Q&A Section about mesalamine
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is mesalamine prescribed for?
"Mesalamine is a medication used to treat and prevent episodes of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the bowels. Mesalamine works by reducing inflammation and other symptoms associated with the disease. This medication is only available with a prescription from a doctor."
Answered by AI
When should you take mesalamine?
"Take the Asacol® HD tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The Lialda® tablets should be taken with food. All other brands of capsules and tablets can be taken with or without food."
Answered by AI
What are the long term effects of taking mesalamine?
"These side effects include worsening colitis; renal toxicity such as interstitial nephritis and nephrotic syndrome; pulmonary toxicity such as interstitial lung disease and fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary granulomatosis, and eosinophilic pleural effusion; pericarditis, pancreatitis, hair loss, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome."
Answered by AI
How long can you stay on mesalamine?
"The long-term safety and tolerability of mesalamine granules (MG) therapy was evaluated in the maintenance of UC remission in this study. Studies evaluating different oral mesalamine formulations that came before this one did not exceed a duration of 14 months."
Answered by AI