Mesalazine
Also sold as: Asacol, Pentasa, Salofalk
Prescription neededOther stomach and liver medicines
Comes as:TabletSachetSuppository
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and depends on the product. For active ulcerative colitis usually 2.4 to 4.8 g a day by mouth, then a lower dose to keep it in remission. Swallow tablets whole. Suppositories are used for disease in the rectum.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- headache
- nausea
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- rash
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- unexplained bruising
- bleeding
- sore throat or fever (blood problem)
- chest pain or breathlessness (heart inflammation)
- severe stomach pain (pancreatitis)
- kidney problems
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Allergy to aspirin or other salicylates
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Blood tests and kidney tests are needed during treatment
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Azathioprine
Mesalazine can increase the risk of low blood counts with azathioprine; blood tests are needed.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Warfarin
Mesalazine may reduce the effect of warfarin; INR should be checked.