What is Mesalamine rectal?
Ulcerative colitis is treated with mesalamine rectal. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for mesalamine rectal.
Side effects of Mesalamine rectal
If you experience symptoms of an allergy such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in the lips, face, throat or tongue then seek medical advice immediately.
Mesalamine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain, cramping, and bloody diarrhea;
- Fever, headaches, and general malaise
- Rash, itching, and eye redness;
- Low white blood cells—fever and chills; sore throat; feeling light-headed or having trouble breathing.
- Signs of kidney stones: severe pain on your back and side, needing to urinate frequently, urine with a foul smell, or urine that is cloudy or dark.
- Kidney problems: increased or decreased urine, swelling, and weight gain.
In older adults, a lower white blood cell count is more common.
Side effects common to mesalamine include:
- Fever;
- Dizziness;
- Rectal pain, colitis;
- Rash;
There may be other side effects.For medical advice about side effects, call your physician directly. Alternatively, report them by calling the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Lialda, Pentasa, Asacol, Apriso, Azulfidine, Asacol HD, and Canasa
Warnings
If you experience severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or cramps (which may be accompanied by fever, headaches, or a skin rash), call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to aspirin or salicylates such as those found in Disalcid (Doans Pills), Kaopectate (Nuprin Backache), Pepto Bismol, Tricosal, and Trilisate, among others, then mesalamine should be avoided.
If you've ever:
- A skin disorder such as eczema.
- A kidney stone, or kidney disease.
- Asthma or sulfite allergies;
- Liver disease.
Tell your doctor about any diarrhea you observe in the baby if you're breastfeeding.
How to take Mesalamine rectal?
Read and comply with the instructions or guides that come with your medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Avoid taking a rectal supppository or enema with your mouth. Only use it in the rectum. Use mesalamine at night to get the best results. Empty your bladder and bowels before taking rectal medication. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with the medicine. Use rectal medication only after washing your hands. Before inserting the suppository, remove the packaging. Do not handle the suppository for too long, or it may melt. Lay on your back, with your knees pointing up towards your chest. Insert the suppository gently into your rectum, pointed tip facing you. While the suppository is melting, stay lying flat for several minutes. There should be little to no discomfort. If possible, avoid using the toilet for at least 1 to 3 hours.
Be sure to shake the liquid rectal well before using. While using mesalamine, drink plenty of fluids. For the enema, lie on your side with your left leg straightened and your right leg bent slightly. Insert the applicator tip gently into the rectum after removing the cap. Squeeze the bottle slowly to release the contents. Lay on your left for 30 minutes after using an enema to let the liquid spread throughout your intestines. Hold the enema for at least eight hours, or even all night if you can. Every day, drink plenty of water. Your symptoms may not improve for up to three weeks. Continue to take the prescribed medication, and inform your doctor of any symptoms that do not improve. Blood tests may be required to monitor your kidney or blood cell function. Mesalamine can interfere with certain tests. Inform any doctors who treat you about your use of mesalamine. Keep away from heat and moisture. After removing the foil pouch, it is possible that the enema fluid will darken. The medicine should be unaffected by this. Throw away any dark-brown enema fluid.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Wait until the next time you go to bed before taking the medication. Never take two doses of the same medication at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Mesalamine can stain surfaces such as clothing, floors, painted surfaces, and vinyl. Mesalamine products can stain surfaces. Mesalamine can make sunburns worse if you suffer from eczema. Avoid tanning or sunlight. If you're venturing outside, be sure to wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
Interaction with other drug
The use of mesalamine may harm your kidneys. This is especially true if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel problems, high blood pressure, or to treat pain, arthritis, Advil, or Motrin.
Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:
- Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine;
The list below is not exhaustive. Mesalamine can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and other products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
