Mesalamine Description

Generic Name : MESALAMINE

Pronunciation : (me sal' a meen)

Trade Name(s) : Tidocol, Mesacol, Mesalazine.

Why it is prescribed: Mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the bowel is inflamed. Mesalamine reduces bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

When it is to be taken: Mesalamine usually is used once a day, preferably at bedtime. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Mesalamine must be used regularly to be effective. You may need to use it for up to six weeks before your symptoms improve.

How it should be taken: Mesalamine comes as an enema - a liquid to be administered directly into the rectum. It is supplied in a disposable bottle with an applicator. Each bottle contains one dose. Remove the bottle from the protective foil pouch by tearing it or cutting it with a scissors. Be careful not to puncture the bottle. Read the patient instructions that come with Mesalamine and follow these steps:
(1) Empty your bowels as much as possible.
(2) Shake the bottle well.
(3) Hold the bottle at the neck so that the medication will not leak.
(4) Remove the protective cover from the applicator tip.
(5) Lie on your left side with your lower (left) leg straight and your right leg bent toward your chest for balance or kneel on a bed, resting your upper chest and one arm on the bed.
(6) Gently insert the applicator tip into your rectum, pointing it slightly toward your navel. If this insertion causes pain or irritation, try lubricating the applicator with Lubricating Jelly or petroleum jelly e.g., Vaseline before inserting it.
(7) Grasp the bottle firmly and tilt it slightly so that the nozzle is aimed toward your back. Squeeze the bottle steadily to release the medication.
(8) Withdraw the applicator and discard the bottle. Remain in this position for at least 30 minutes to allow the medication to spread through your bowel. Try to keep the medication in for about eight hours.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your progress can be evaluated. You probably will have blood, urine, and stool tests and physical examinations periodically.
2. Get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations if they make your condition worse.
3. Special dietary instructions should be followed. Follow your doctor's advice on diet. Eat a well-balanced diet, but avoid foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse. Problem foods may include raw fruits and vegetables, fatty foods, and milk.

Side Effects :
1. Rectal pain, irritation, burning, soreness. Lubricate the applicator tip with Lubricating Jelly or petroleum jelly before inserting it. Contact your doctor if this problem persists; your doctor can recommend a topical medication for rectal pain or inflammation.
2. Headache, fatigue, weakness, general feeling of illness or discomfort, dizziness, leg or joint pain and stiffness, back pain, gas, nausea, constipation. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.
3. Increased hair loss. This effect is harmless and usually is temporary. Increased diarrhea; sensitivity reaction: cramps, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and, sometimes, fever, headache, itching, and rash. Stop using Mesalamine and contact your doctor immediately.
4. Chest pain with fever. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you ever had a bad reaction to sulfasalazine, aspirin, or sulfite preservatives.
2. Before you use Mesalamine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially digoxin, sulfasalazine, ibuprofen, and arthritis medication.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors before using Mesalamine. It is not known if the drug passes from a mother to her unborn or breast-fed baby.

Storage Conditions : Store Mesalamine at room temperature. Keep it out of the reach of children.