Mesalazine

Uses of Mesalazine

Mesalazine/Mesalamine is commonly used to treat Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis

How Mesalazine Works

Mesalazine/Mesalamine is believed to work by inhibiting the chemicals prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis in the bowel lining

Side Effects of Mesalazine

Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Anaemia, Skin rash, Balding of the head, Muscle pain, Joint pain

Warnings

Kidney High Risk

Dosage adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment and is contraindicated for patients with severe renal impairment.

Alcohol Safe

There is no clear contraindication on the consumption of alcohol when taking Mesalazine.

Pregnancy Maybe Safe

Mesalazine has been shown in animal studies to not cause any harm or reproductive toxicity. Human pregnancy data also suggest similar safety profile even though Mesalazine crosses the placenta. It is therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Driving Not advisable

It is not advisable to drive when under Mesalazine treatment due to its potential side effects such as headache and dizziness which can affect the ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Safe If Prescribed

Dosage adjustment may be needed for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and is contraindicated for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Lactation Safe If Prescribed

The metabolites of Mesalazine has been detected in human breastmilk and thus it should be used with caution during breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).