Key facts about Mesalamine
What dosages is Mesalamine available in?
Mesalamine is available as a 375 mg extended-release oral capsule.
What is Mesalamine used for?
Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate that is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.
How does Mesalamine work?
Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate. It’s unclear how Mesalamine exactly works. But it appears to work inside the bowels (gut) to lower gut inflammation, which helps relieve symptoms of UC.
How do I take Mesalamine?
Mesalamine is typically taken by mouth as a 1.5 g (four 0.375 g capsules) dose once daily in the morning.
Is it safe for me to take Mesalamine?
Mesalamine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you You should not take this medication if you have a hypersensitivity to salicylates, aminosalicylates, or any component of Mesalamine
capsules.
Mesalamine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Mesalamine include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
Mesalamine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Mesalamine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Worsening UC symptoms
- Kidney problems (including kidney stones): trouble urinating, change in how much you urinate, blood in the urine, back or side pain, fever, chills
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain, tiredness
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; itchy skin; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin reaction: hives, discolored patches of skin, peeling skin, blisters; with or without fever or body aches
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Mesalamine
The following medications may interact with Mesalamine:
- NSAIDs – Increased risk of nephrotoxicity is possible
- Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine – Increased risk of blood disorders
Who makes Mesalamine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Mesalamine safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Mesalamine will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving Mesalamine, talk to your healthcare provider.













