What condition does Mesalamine treat?
Mesalamine is a derivative of 5-aminosalicylic acid and an anti-inflammatory agent used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This drug helps to lessen symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, stomach pain, or rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel infection that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract.
This prescription is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987. Mesalamine affects a substance in the body that causes tissue damage, diarrhea, and inflammation. Mesalamine is supplied as tablets for oral use.
How does Mesalamine work?
Mesalamine inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity. Prostaglandin production is reduced as a result. The reduction of prostaglandin production in the colon reduces inflammation. It also reduces ulcerative colitis symptoms.
When inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis occur, excessive amounts of chemicals are produced. Prostaglandins are compounds that produce inflammation. People with ulcerative colitis produce excessive amounts of these compounds.
What is the recommended dosage for Mesalamine?
This medication is taken by mouth usually 4 times a day. The tablet is to be swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water. You may take each dose with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Remember to take it at the same time every day. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to it. You must take this prescription exactly as it is given. For the best result, use this regularly. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
What are the side effects of Mesalamine?
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Constipation
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Tired feeling
What are the precautions in taking Mesalamine?
- Before using this, inform your doctor about the medical history that you have. Inform also if you have current medications (herbal supplements or vitamins).
- This medicine may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies.
- If you are a breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor’s fits.
- Do not use this to treat any other condition without the prescription of a doctor.
- Do not take this medicine more or less than the recommendation.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether this drug will harm an unborn baby. On the other hand, having uncontrolled or untreated ulcerative colitis during pregnancy may cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating ulcerative colitis may outweigh any risks to the baby.
- Do not give this medicine to a child without proper medical advice. Some brands of this medication are not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old. This prescription should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old. It is important to consult a doctor first.
