Mesalazine
About Mesalazine
Mesalazine belongs to a class of drugs called 'anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine lining (colon). It produces ulcers on the colon's lining, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus.
Mesalazine contains Mesalazine, which works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Thereby, it reduces inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and provides relief from symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
Take Mesalazine as prescribed. You are advised to use Mesalazine for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or flatulence (gas). Most of these side effects of Mesalazine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Avoid taking Mesalazine if you are allergic to Mesalazine or any other medicines. 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 or cramps, severe headache, fever or rash, stop taking Mesalazine immediately and consult a doctor.
Uses of Mesalazine
Medicinal Benefits
Mesalazine contains Mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Thereby helping in reducing inflammation (redness and swelling) in the intestines and providing relief from symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding. Also, Mesalazine may prevent further episodes of ulcerative colitis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mesalazine
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence (gas)
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Mesalazine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. 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. Severe skin reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (skin peeling and blistering) or Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a painful rash that spreads and blisters) can occur in some patients taking Mesalazine. Therefore, if you notice any skin reactions while taking Mesalazine, please consult a doctor immediately. If you have stomach pain or cramps, severe headache, fever or rash, stop taking Mesalazine immediately and consult a doctor. Avoid taking Mesalazine if you have had blood abnormalities or kidney problems while taking other medicines such as Sulphasalazine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking laxatives (lactulose), painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), immunosuppressants (azathioprine), or chemotherapy drugs (thioguanine, mercaptopurine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have a stomach ulcer, asthma or other lung problems, or any medical condition that can cause bleeding, liver, kidney or blood problems, inform your doctor before taking Mesalazine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Mesalazine is unknown. If you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor before taking Mesalazine.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorMesalazine is a Category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy before taking Mesalazine.
Breast Feeding
cautionMesalazine should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers unless advised by the doctor. Granules form of Mesalazine may cause allergic reactions such as diarrhoea in newborn babies after breastfeeding. If this happens, discontinue breastfeeding.
Driving
safeMesalazine usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor, if you have liver problems before using Mesalazine.
Kidney
cautionMesalazine should be used with extreme caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment. Avoid taking Mesalazine if you have severe kidney impairment.
Children
cautionMesalazine is not recommended for children below six years. However, Mesalazine should be given to children only if recommended by a doctor.
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 in healing faster.
- Include olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids. Eat more fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Limit dairy intake as your body may develop difficulty digesting certain dairy products when you are affected with Crohn’s disease, which leads to stomach cramps, diarrhoea or stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Special Advise
- Blood and urine tests are recommended before and during the treatment with Mesalazine to monitor the functioning of kidney, liver and blood.
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.
Crohn’s disease: It is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. But mostly occurs in the small intestine and large intestine. The symptoms include blood in stools, stomach cramps, tiredness, diarrhoea, fever, weight loss or loss of appetite.
FAQs
Mesalazine is used to treat Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Mesalazine contains Mesalazine, which works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical substances, such as prostaglandins, that cause pain and swelling. Thereby helps in reducing inflammation (swelling) in the intestines and provides relief from symptoms such as stomach pain or bleeding.
You are not recommended to take Mesalazine with Ibuprofen 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.
Yes, Mesalazine may cause kidney stones in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Mesalazine to experience this side effect. However, if you notice blood in urine or pain in the sides of the stomach, please consult a doctor immediately. Drink adequate water while taking Mesalazine to prevent kidney stones.
Mesalazine should be used with caution in patients with stomach ulcers as it may increase the risk of worsening the condition. Therefore, please inform your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer before taking Mesalazine.
Yes, Mesalazine may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists and worsens with fever, watery stools or consistent stomach pain, please consult a doctor. Also, drink plenty of water while taking Mesalazine to prevent dehydration.
You are advised to take Mesalazine for the duration prescribed by the doctor. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Do not discontinue Mesalazine without consulting your doctor. It is essential to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well as it helps control your condition.
No, Mesalazine is not addictive.
Side effects of Mesalazine include diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or flatulence (gas). If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
