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Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ulcerative Colitis - Induction of Remission Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is an established, FDA-approved treatment for the induction of remission in patients with active mild-to-moderate…

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About Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

Indications of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

Ulcerative Colitis - Induction of Remission

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is an established, FDA-approved treatment for the induction of remission in patients with active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis - Maintenance of Remission

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is an established, FDA-approved treatment for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's Disease (Colonic Involvement)

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] has a guideline-supported, though less robust, role in the treatment of mild-to-moderate active Crohn's disease involving the colon. Evidence of benefit is weaker than for ulcerative colitis, and some formulations are not specifically labeled for this use; treatment decisions should be individualized by a physician.

Proctitis and Proctosigmoiditis

Rectal formulations (suppository, enema) of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] are established for distal disease limited to the rectum or rectosigmoid colon, and may be used alone or combined with oral formulations for more extensive disease.

Dosage & Administration of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

Ulcerative Colitis - Adults

Formulation/UseTypical Adult Dose
Induction of remission (oral)Typically 2.4-4.8 g/day in divided doses (or once daily for some formulations), depending on the specific product; higher end of range for more active disease. Follow the specific product labeling.
Maintenance of remission (oral)Typically 1.2-2.4 g/day, per product labeling.
Rectal suppository (proctitis)Typically 500 mg-1 g once or twice daily, per product labeling.
Rectal enema (distal colitis/proctosigmoiditis)Typically 1-4 g once daily, usually at bedtime, per product labeling.

Crohn's Disease Involving the Colon

Dosing is individualized by the treating physician; oral doses in a similar range to ulcerative colitis induction regimens have been used, guided by disease severity and formulation-specific labeling.

General Administration Notes

  • Delayed-release and extended-release tablets/capsules must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, or broken, as this can affect the site and timing of drug release in the colon.
  • Oral granules/sachets should be taken as directed on the label (e.g., sprinkled on food or dispersed in water, per specific product instructions).
  • Suppositories should be retained in the rectum, ideally overnight or for as long as directed, for maximal effect.
  • Enemas are best administered at bedtime with the bowel emptied beforehand, and retained overnight if possible.
  • Take exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, and do not switch between different brands/formulations without consulting your physician, as release characteristics differ between products.

Side Effects of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

Common Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Diarrhea (can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from symptoms of the underlying disease)
  • Flatulence
  • Fatigue

Rare but Serious Side Effects

  • Nephrotoxicity: rare cases of interstitial nephritis and other kidney injury have been reported; requires periodic renal function monitoring (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Mesalazine-induced acute intolerance syndrome: a rare reaction presenting as worsening abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever or rash, which can be difficult to distinguish from a flare of the underlying disease (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Rare cases of pancreatitis.
  • Rare blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
  • Rare hepatic effects (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis).
  • Rare pericarditis and myocarditis.

Contraindications of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mesalazine, other salicylates, or aminosalicylates. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, given the well-established risk of nephrotoxicity, and in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]

What is Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] used for?

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is used mainly to induce and maintain remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, and is also used, with somewhat less robust evidence, for mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease involving the colon.

How should I take Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]?

Take Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] exactly as prescribed, at the same time(s) each day. Swallow delayed-release or extended-release tablets/capsules whole without crushing or chewing, and use rectal forms (suppository or enema) as directed, ideally retaining them as long as possible. Do not switch brands or formulations without consulting your physician, and do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice.

Can Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] affect my kidneys?

Yes, in rare cases Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] has been associated with kidney problems, including interstitial nephritis. Your doctor will usually check your kidney function before starting treatment and periodically during treatment. Report any unusual decrease in urination, swelling, or unexplained fatigue to your physician promptly.

What if my symptoms get worse after starting Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]?

Worsening abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea after starting Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] could be either a flare of your underlying disease or, rarely, a drug-induced reaction called mesalazine-induced acute intolerance syndrome. Contact your physician promptly if this happens, as continuing the drug in this setting could make symptoms worse.

Is Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is among the more commonly continued treatments for inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy when needed, since uncontrolled disease can itself pose risks, but it should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs any potential risk, and only under a physician's guidance. Small amounts pass into breast milk; use during breastfeeding should also be supervised by a physician, watching the infant for any diarrhea.

What should I do if I take too much Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid]?

If an overdose of Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid] is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services or a poison control center right away. Do not attempt to treat an overdose at home.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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