Uses of Mesalamine

Effects
Mesalazine has anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive tract, inhibits cyclooxygenase, reduces prostaglandin formation in the colon. As a result, the drug has a local inhibitory effect against the production of metabolites of arachidonic acid, which are increased in subjects with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Preparations of mesalazine may be beneficial in patients sensitive to sulfasalazine. The enema form of mesalazine is similar to oral sulfasalazine or hydrocortisone enemas in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Indications:
Treatment of mild to moderate terminal ulcerative colitis, sigmoid colitis, proctitis.
Dosage - how to use:
How to use:
Mesalazine is used rectally in the form of suppositories or enema, should be used at bedtime. Best results with enema before medication. Mesalazine is also given as a delayed-release tablet.
Dosage:
Acute treatment: up to 4g/day, divided into 2-3 times.
Maintenance treatment: The starting dose should be 1.5g/day, divided into 2-3 times.
Use rectally: 500mg suppository, 2 times a day.
Suspension enemas 4g, 1 time a day (enema at bedtime). The drug is used for 3-6 weeks or until clinical remission or sigmoidoscopy. Therapeutic efficacy of mesalazine for more than 6 weeks has not been established, but some patients have been taking the drug rectally for more than 1 year.
Overdose and treatment
Overdose:
In case of an emergency or overdose, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest local health station.
Missed dose:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double the prescribed dose.

Contraindications
History of hypersensitivity to salicylates or renal hypersensitivity to sulfasalazine. Severe renal failure and liver dysfunction. pyloric stenosis, intestinal obstruction. Children under 2 years old. Note
Caution
Serious hematopoietic disorders have been reported with mesalazine but very rarely. Need to monitor hematology, if the patient has unexplained bleeding, bruises, purpura, anemia, fever or pharyngitis.
Pregnancy
Use with caution during pregnancy and only when the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. There are no data on the teratogenic potential of the drug, but very low amounts of mesalazine cross the placenta.
Lactation
Use caution during lactation and use only when potential benefits outweigh possible risks.

Common:
Headache. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Urticaria, foreign. Rare:
Leukopenia, agranulocytosis. Myocarditis . Sensitive to light. Increased transaminases. Joint pain. Neuropathy. Kidney disease. Hair loss, pancreatitis. Management
Discontinue treatment if there are signs or suspicion of hematopoietic disorders.

Concomitant use with oral sulfasalazine may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
An increase in prothrombin time has been reported in patients taking warfarin.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-25 degrees Celsius), protect from light.