MESALAMINE

The U.S. FDA approved Mesalamine on January 16, 2007. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory medication belonging to the aminosalicylate class of drugs.

Mesalamine is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s ileocolitis. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ileocolitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Ulcerative colitis mainly inflames the colon and rectum, causing diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Crohn's ileocolitis affects the small intestine and colon, involving deeper layers of the intestinal wall and leading to abdominal pain, weight loss, and complications.

Take the Mesalamine as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Mesalamine are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, indigestion, bloating, and muscle pain. Serious side effects while taking Mesalamine are unexpected nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bruising more easily, problems with kidney function, a skin rash with flaking, boils, or sore lips, fever, sore throat, mouth or lip ulcers, spots underneath the skin, and swollen ankles.

Do not take Mesalamine if you are allergic to Mesalamine, aspirin, salicylate, or any of its ingredients. Do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or blood abnormalities while taking other medicines, such as sulphasalazine. This medicine is not for use in children under the age of 2. Inform your doctor if you have or have had a history of severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering, and mouth sore.

Before initiating Mesalamine treatment, your kidney and blood function will be assessed through tests. Your doctor will periodically monitor your liver, kidney, and blood health using blood and urine samples throughout your treatment. This medicine may lead to kidney stones, which could cause abdominal pain and blood in urine. Ensure proper hydration during the treatment.

Follow the dosage and usage instructions provided by your doctor. Inform your doctor of any known allergies or existing medical conditions before starting Mesalamine. Do not use this medicine if you have kidney-related conditions. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, as Mesalamine is used cautiously in such cases. If you experience unexpected or severe side effects, including allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor of all other medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Discuss any concerns about treatment with your healthcare professional.

AbbVie Lt, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2023] [Accessed on 31st August 2023], pil.2217.pdf (medicines.org.uk) Actavis Pharma, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Sept 2015] [Accessed on 31st August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/204412s006lbl.pdf. KD Tripathi, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 209-226.