What Is Mesalamine?
Mesalamine is a medication used to treat moderate-to-mild ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine is also utilized to help prevent signs of ulcerative colitis from returning.Certain brands of mesalamine are only suitable for adults. Some brands are suitable for children under five years old.Mesalamine can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects Of Mesalamine
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Mesalamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using mesalamine and consult your doctor immediately in the event of:
- Severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea;
- High fever, headache, general feeling of ill-health,
- Rash, itching, eye redness;
- The stool is bloody or tarry and coughing blood, or vomit that resembles coffee grounds.
- Low white blood cell count—fever, chills, mouth sores, open sores in the skin, sore throat, cough, feeling lightheaded, having trouble breathing;
- Indications of kidney stones: severe discomfort in your back and a frequent need to urinate; foul-smelling urine, cloudy, or dark urine;
- Kidney issues: decreased or increased urination, swelling, weight gain, or
- Issues with the liver, such as a loss of appetite, stomach pain, fatigue, bleeding or bruising that is easy to stop in dark urine, sour-coloured stool, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
The low white blood cell count could be more prevalent in people who are older.
Common mesalamine side effects can include:
- Burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas;
- Dizziness;
- Signs of a cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and sore throats;
- Back pain;
- Headache;
- It can be a rash
- Unusual liver function tests.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Stop using mesalamine immediately and consult your doctor right away if you are experiencing extreme gastric pain, stomach cramps, or bloody diarrhea (which may occur along with a headache, fever, or problems with your skin).
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use mesalamine when you have an allergy to aspirin, mesalamine, salicylates, or sulfasalazine (such as Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid Kaopectate Nuprin Backache, Pepto Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- A kidney stone or kidney disease
- Liver disease;
- A blockage in the stomach or intestines (such as pyloric stasis) as well as
- A skin condition such as eczema.
Certain mesalamine forms contain the chemical phenylalanine. Consult your physician if you are suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU).
Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It isn't known if mesalamine could harm an unborn baby. But having untreated or uncontrolled ulcerative bowel colitis during pregnancy can result in problems such as preterm or low-weight births. The benefits of treating ulcerative colitis might outweigh any risk for the infant.It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about any risks. If you're nursing, inform your doctor if you observe diarrhea in your nursing infant.
Avoid giving this medication to any child without obtaining medical guidance. Some brands of mesalamine aren't recommended for use by anyone younger than 18. Delzicol is not recommended for children younger than five years old.
How to take Mesalamine?
Follow all instructions on the prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.This medication can alter the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking mesalamine.
It is recommended to take Asacol HD on an empty stomach at least an hour before or 2 hours following the meal.Lialda is best consumed with a meal.You may consume apricots either with or without food.Drink plenty of fluids to avoid kidney stones.
Other mesalamine brands can be taken either with or without food. Follow the instructions of your physician or the instructions on your medication label.Take the tablet or capsule intact and avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking it. Talk to your physician if you are having difficulties swallowing the pills.
If you're unable to take the Pentasa capsule completely, open it up and pour the medicine onto one spoonful of applesauce or yogurt. Drink the liquid immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for later use.Inform your doctor when you discover mesalamine-undissolved tablets in your stool.Contact your doctor if symptoms of ulcerative colitis don't improve or become worse.This medication may affect the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking mesalamine.
It is possible that you will require frequent tests of your blood to determine the condition of your kidneys or blood cell function.Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What Happens if I Miss the Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
If you suffer from an issue with your skin, such as eczema, mesalamine can make your skin burn more quickly. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds. Protect yourself with protective clothes and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) while you're outdoors.
Talk to your doctor before using an antacid. Make sure you use only the kind recommended by your physician. Certain anti-inflammatory medications could make it more difficult for your body to absorb mesalamine.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Mesalamine may cause kidney damage, particularly in conjunction with specific medications for osteoporosis, cancer, infections, organ transplant rejection, intestinal issues, high blood pressure, or arthritis pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:
- Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.
This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect mesalamine. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are listed in this article.
