The U.S. FDA approved Mesalamine on January 16, 2007. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the family known as amino salicylates.

Mesalamine is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s ileocolitis.  Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ileocolitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Ulcerative colitis mainly inflames the colon and rectum, causing diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Crohn's ileocolitis affects the small intestine and colon, involving deeper layers of the intestinal wall and leading to abdominal pain, weight loss, and complications.

Take the Mesalamine as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Mesalamine are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, indigestion, bloating, and muscle pain. Serious side effects while taking Mesalamine are unexpected nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bruising more easily, problems with kidney function, a skin rash with flaking, boils, or sore lips, fever, sore throat, mouth or lip ulcers, spots underneath the skin, and swollen ankles. 

Do not take Mesalamine if you are allergic to Mesalamine, aspirin, salicylate, or any of its ingredients. Do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or blood abnormalities while taking other medicines, such as sulphasalazine. This medicine is not for use in children under the age of 2. Inform your doctor if you have or have had a history of severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering, and mouth sore.

Before initiating Mesalamine treatment, your kidney and blood function will be assessed through tests. Your doctor will periodically monitor your liver, kidney, and blood health using blood and urine samples throughout your treatment. This medicine may lead to kidney stones, which could cause abdominal pain and blood in urine. Ensure proper hydration during the treatment.

Follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Inform your doctor about any known allergies or medical conditions you have before receiving Mesalamine. Do not consume this medicine if you have kidney related conditions. Before stating the treatment inform your doctor if you have liver condition as this medicine is cautiously recommended in such conditions. If you notice any unexpected or severe side effects, like an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your healthcare professional about any other medications or supplements you are consuming to avoid potential drug interactions. If you have any concerns regarding the treatment, consult your healthcare professional for information.

1. AbbVie Lt, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2023] [Accessed on 31st August 2023], pil.2217.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
2. Actavis Pharma, Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Sept 2015] [Accessed on 31st August 2023],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/204412s006lbl.pdf. 
3. KD Tripathi, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 209-226.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.