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| Pronunciation |
|
 (me
SAL a
meen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Asacol®; Canasa®;
Pentasa®; Rowasa® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to sulfasalazine, sulfites, aspirin or another
salicylate, mesalamine, or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- 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.
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| How does it work? |
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- Mesalamine works to decrease the irritation and inflammation caused by
the ulcerative colitis.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- 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.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- 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.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- The rectal suspension can stain clothing, other fabrics, flooring,
painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel. Be careful where you give
yourself this medicine.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
- 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.
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| 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.
- Rarely, liver problems.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check kidney function before starting. The dose is adjusted to your
kidney function.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- 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.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- 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.
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| General statements |
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- 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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