Mesalamine

Proctitis, Proctocolitis, Colitis, Ulcerative + 2 more
Treatment
1 FDA approval
0 Active Studies for Mesalamine

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
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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 1 uses which include Crohn Disease .
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
Proctitis
400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg
Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Rectal, Enema, Enema - Rectal, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Enema; Liquid, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Kit - Rectal
Proctocolitis
400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg
Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Rectal, Enema, Enema - Rectal, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Enema; Liquid, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Kit - Rectal
Crohn Disease
400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg
Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Rectal, Enema, Enema - Rectal, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Enema; Liquid, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Kit - Rectal
Colitis, Ulcerative
400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg
Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Rectal, Enema, Enema - Rectal, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Enema; Liquid, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Kit - Rectal
Ulcerative Colitis
400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg
Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Rectal, Enema, Enema - Rectal, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Enema; Liquid, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, 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 Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Mesalazine may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mesalamine.
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.
Methotrexate
Major
The serum concentration of Methotrexate can be increased when it is combined 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.
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.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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
Proctocolitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Proctitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Crohn Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Colitis, Ulcerative
0 Actively Recruiting
Ulcerative Colitis
0 Actively Recruiting

Mesalamine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mesalamine?

5Patient Review
7/2/2022
Mesalamine for Ulcerated Colon
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
Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms
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
Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease
This was used to treat my Crohn's disease and it appears to have been successful.
5Patient Review
9/6/2011
Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease
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
Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms
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.
View All Reviews
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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