Indications of Mesacol 400 mg
Mesalazine is indicated for
Treatment of mild to moderately active Ulcerative Colitis & & Crohn’s Disease
Maintenance of remission of Ulcerative Colitis
Maintenance of remission of Crohn’s disease
Theropeutic Class
Anti-Tubercular Chemotherapeutics, Ulcerative Colitis
Pharmacology
Although the mechanism of action of mesalazine is not fully understood, it appears to be topical rather than systemic. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways, i.e., prostanoids, and through the lipoxygenase pathways, i.e., leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and it is possible that mesalazine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.
Dosage of Mesacol 400 mg
Ulcerative colitis-Adults:
Active disease: Individual dosage, up to 4 gm mesalazine once daily or divided into 2-4 doses.
Maintenance treatment: Individual dosage. Recommended dosage, 2 gm mesalazine once daily.
Pediatrics: The safety and efficacy in children below 6 years of age have not been established. There is only limited documentation for an effect in children (age 6-18 years).Children 6 years of age and older:
Active disease: To be determined individually, starting with 30-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Maximum dose: 75 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The total dose should not exceed 4 g/day (maximum adult dose).
Maintenance treatment: To be determined individually, starting with 15-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The total dose should not exceed 2 g/day (recommended adult dose).
It is generally recommended that half the adult dose may be given to children up to a body weight of 40 kg; and the normal adult dose to those above 40 kg.
Administration of Mesacol 400 mg
The granules must not be chewed. The contents of the sachet should be emptied onto the tongue and washed down with some water or orange juice. Alternatively, the entire content of the sachet can be taken with yogurt and consumed immediately.
Interaction of Mesacol 400 mg
Concurrent use of other known nephrotoxic agents such as NSAIDs and Azathioprine may increase the risk of renal reactions.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to salicylates or to any other component of the formulation.
Side Effects of Mesacol 400 mg
The commonly reported adverse events are headache, nausea, dizziness, asthenia, dyspepsia, vomiting, pruritus etc.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters). Excreted in breast milk.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients with pyloric stenosis may have prolonged gastric retention of Mesalamine tablets which could delay release of Mesalamine in the colon. Renal impairment, including minimal change nephropathy and acute and chronic interstitial nephritis has been reported in patients taking Mesalamine. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Mesalamine in patients with known renal dysfunction or history of renal disease. Patients should have renal function monitored, prior to treatment start and then it should be monitored periodically during treatment. There have been reports of hepatic failure in patients with pre-existing liver disease who have been administered Mesalamine. Caution should be exercised when administering Mesalamine to patients with liver impairment.
Overdose Effects of Mesacol 400 mg
There is no specifc antidote for Mesalamine overdose. Treatment for suspected acute severe toxicity should be symptomatic and supportive. This may include prevention of further gastrointestinal tract absorption, correction of fuid electrolyte imbalance and maintenance of adequate renal function. This is a pH dependent delayed-release product and this factor should be considered when treating a suspected over dose.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30 0 C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Drug Classes
Aminosalicylates
Mode Of Action
The mechanism of action of Mesalamine is unknown, but appears to be topical rather than systemic. Mucosal production of Arachidonic Acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways, that is, prostanoids, and through the lipoxygenase pathways, that is, leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, is increased in patients with chronic infammatory bowel disease. Mesalamine diminishes infammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.
Pregnancy
It should be given in pregnancy only if the potential beneft justifes the potential risk to the fetus. Caution is advised when it is administered to a nursing mother.
Pediatric Uses
Geriatrics: Patients who are 65 years or older, caution should be taken to closely monitor blood cell counts during Mesalamine therapy.Elderly: Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken when prescribing this drug therapy. It is recommended that all patients have an evaluation of renal function prior to initiation of Mesalamine tablets. Monitor blood cell counts during drug therapy.Paediatric: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.