Mesalamine



Asacol®; Canasa™; Pentasa®; Rowasa®







Mesalamine

(me SAL a meen)

U.S. Brand Names
Asacol®; Canasa™; Pentasa®; Rowasa®
Canadian Brand Names
Asacol®; Asacol® 800; Mesasal®; Novo-5 ASA; Pendo-5 ASA; Pentasa®; Quintasa®; Rowasa®; Salofalk®
Mexican Brand Names
Salofalk®
Pharmacologic Category
5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to mesalamine, salicylates, sulfasalazine, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat mild to moderate disease at the far end of the colon.
  • This medicine is used to treat ulcerative colitis.
How does it work?
  • Mesalamine reduces irritation and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Swallow tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Use suppository or suspension rectally.
  • Shake suspension well before use.
  • Keep suspension in rectum as long as possible.
  • Take foil off rectal suppository and insert pointed end first. Do not handle too much. Keep in rectum for at least 3 hours.
  • You could be on both a tablet or capsule and a rectal product at the same time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have an inflamed pancreas, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have an inflamed sac around the heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • The rectal medicine can stain fabric, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work (kidney function). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain or bloody diarrhea.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • If you see tablet bits in the stool.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Rectal:
  • Store rectal suspension in foil until ready to use. Do not refrigerate.
  • Protect rectal suspension from heat.
  • Protect rectal suspension from light.
  • Do not use if suspension changes color.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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