US Brand Names
Apriso
Asacol HD
Delzicol
Lialda
Pentasa
Canadian Brand Name
Asacol 800
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug which affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
Mesalamine is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.
Some brands of Mesalamine are for use only in adults, and some brands are for use in children who are at least 5 years old.
Mesalamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the available dosage forms and strengths?
Capsule, extended-release
250mg (Pentasa)
375mg (Apriso)
500mg (Pentasa)
Tablet, delayed-release
400mg (Asacol)
800mg (Asacol HD)
1.2g (Lialda)
Capsule, delayed-release
What is Mesalamine/Mesalazine and how does it work?
Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug which affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
Mesalamine is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.
Some brands of Mesalamine are for use only in adults, and some brands are for use in children who are at least 5 years old.
Mesalamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How should you take Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.
Take Asacol HD on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Lialda (also known as Mezavant XL) should be taken with a meal.
Other brands of mesalamine can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on your medicine label.
If you cannot swallow a Pentasa capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Pentasa granules PR – The contents of the sachet should be emptied onto the tongue and washed down with some water or orange juice.
Store at room temperature; away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had or are:
This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Tell your doctor if you find undissolved mesalamine tablets in your stool.
Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesalamine.
Who should not take Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Should not be given to children with chickenpox or who might have the flu.
Some brands of mesalamine are not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.
You should not use mesalamine if you are allergic to it or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
Do not use mesalamine if you are allergic or sensitive to salicylates.
What to avoid while taking Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
Mesalamine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb mesalamine.
What are the possible side effects of Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor if you get a rash with or without itching, any shortness of breath, palpitations (rapid heartbeat) or chest pain.
Stop using mesalamine and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea
fever, headache, skin rash
bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
kidney problems–little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
liver problems–loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation
runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat
flu-like symptoms
headache, back pain
rash
abnormal liver function tests
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs interact with Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
Mesalamine can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, or pain or arthritis (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).
Do not take mesalamine if you are taking :
Mesalamine may have a serious interaction with:
Aciphex (rabeprazole), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Alternagel or Amphojel (aluminum hydroxide) and Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
Live varicella vaccine, MMR II vaccine
Polymyxin B
Other drugs may affect mesalamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
This list is not complete.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention
Where can I get more information about Mesalamine/Mesalazine?
If you have any questions about buying discount Mesalamine/Mesalazine or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.
