Mesalazine
About Mesalazine
Mesalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine lining (colon). Ulcerative proctitis is a condition in which ulcerative colitis solely affects the rectum.
Mesalazine contains Mesalazine, which works by preventing the synthesis of chemical messengers such as prostaglandins in the intestines that produce inflammation (swelling).
Sometimes, you may experience diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache or nausea. Most of these side effects of Mesalazine do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication. Mesalazine is for rectal use only. It is advised to wash your hands before and after applying the medicament. Ensure the rectal area is clean and dry before application.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any components present in Mesalazine. Mesalazine should be used with caution in the elderly. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Mesalazine. Avoid taking Mesalazine if you have severe kidney failure. If you have stomach pain, cramps, severe headache, fever or rash, after taking Mesalazine, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.
Uses of Mesalazine
• Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Mesalazine helps manage IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
• Support for Ulcerative Colitis: Mesalazine supports ulcerative colitis management by reducing flare-ups and promoting gut health.
• Restoration of Gut Flora Post-Antibiotics: Mesalazine helps to restore beneficial gut bacteria after antibiotic use.
Medicinal Benefits
- Mesalazine contains Mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis.
- This medicine helps reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) in the intestines and provides relief from symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
- Mesalazine may also prevent further episodes of ulcerative colitis.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor.
- Before using, empty your bowels (if necessary) and wash your hands. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Remove the applicator's protective cap and hold the bottle by its top end. Lie on your left side, your left leg extended and your right leg bent. Insert the applicator (lubricant-coated) for easier entry into the rectum. Squeeze the bottle gently while holding it directed towards your navel. When the bottle is empty, remove the applicator from the rectum. Allow the drug to spread throughout the lower section of the large intestine for at least 30 minutes by remaining in this posture.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the medicament. Ensure the rectal area is clean and dry before application.
- For rectal use only.
Storage
Side Effects of Mesalazine
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to this medication or any of its components.
- The use of Mesalazine should be exercised with caution in the elderly.
- Avoid taking Mesalazine if you have severe kidney failure.
- Do not use Mesalazine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding without first consulting the doctor.
- Mesalazine is recommended not to be used in populations with severe renal or hepatic impairment, so inform your doctor if you have severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Use Mesalazine as directed by a doctor, in the dose and duration advised.
- Mesalazine is for rectal use. Do not swallow it. In case of accidental swallowing, drink plenty of water and consult a doctor immediately.
- Mesalazine is not recommended for use in children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), immunosuppressants (azathioprine) or other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have kidney impairment, please inform your doctor before using the Mesalazine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Mesalazine is unknown. Consult the physician.
Pregnancy
unsafeMesalazine should not be used in pregnancy unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorMesalazine should not be used while breastfeeding unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Mesalazine.
Driving
safe if prescribedMesalazine usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorInform your doctor before using Mesalazine if you have a history of liver disease. It should be used cautiously in patients with mild to moderately impaired liver function. It is not recommended for use in populations with severe liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before using Mesalazine if you have a history of kidney disease. It should be used cautiously in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment. It is not recommended for use in populations with severe kidney impairment.
Children
not applicableMesalazine is intended for adults. Not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet and eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as bell peppers, spinach, parsley, and berries, which help promote faster healing.
- Opt for food and drinks rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acid-enriched foods include flaxseeds, walnuts, soybean oil, salmon, and tuna if you prefer non-veg.
- Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Eat smaller meals all day.
- Drink small amounts of water throughout the day.
- If you are intolerant to lactose, lower your intake of milk.
- Avoid consuming foods high in sugar and fat, as well as processed foods, as these may trigger inflammation.
- Try to avoid alcohol as it can affect your stomach and intestines and also limit the absorption of the important nutrients required by your body.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ulcerative colitis: It is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and produces ulcers on the lining of the colon, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite or nausea. The factors involved in causing ulcerative colitis include immune disorders and environmental factors like viruses, bacteria or antigens, which may trigger the immune system and genes inherited from the parent.
Ulcerative proctitis: It is a condition in which ulcerative colitis solely affects the rear channel (rectum).
FAQs
Mesalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine lining (colon).
Mesalazine contains Mesalazine, which works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Thus, it helps reduce inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and relieves symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
Mesalazine may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsens, accompanied by fever, watery stools, or persistent stomach pain, please consult a doctor. Also, drink plenty of water while using Mesalazine to prevent dehydration.
You are not recommended to take Mesalazine with aspirin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of kidney problems. However, please consult your doctor before taking Mesalazine with other medicines.
No, you are not recommended to stop using Mesalazine suddenly, as it may cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, use Mesalazine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while using Mesalazine, please consult your doctor.
