Mesalamine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
• The capsule or tablet is used for mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
• The rectal forms (suppository, suspension) are used mild to moderate disease at the far end of the colon where they can reach.

How does it work?

• Mesalamine works to decrease the irritation and inflammation caused by the ulcerative colitis.

How is it best taken?

• Swallow tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. Take with a whole glass of water.
• Use suppository or suspension rectally only.
• Shake suspension well first. Use at bedtime.
• Keep suspension in rectum as long as possible.
• Take foil off rectal suppository and insert pointed end first. Do not handle too much. It will melt in your hand.
• You could be on both a tablet or capsule and a rectal form at the same time. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Take entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• The rectal suspension can stain clothing, other fabrics, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel. Be careful where you give yourself this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are on warfarin.
• 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Belching or burping.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea or constipation.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If you see tablet bits in the stool.
• Cramping, belly pain, or bloody diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.
• Keep rectal suspension in foil until ready to use. If rectal suspension is dark brown, throw away.

General statements

• 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, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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