Do you have a condition called `Ulcerative Colitis` that causes stomach pain, frequent urges to go to the bathroom, and sometimes blood in your stool? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called `Mesalamine`. It comes under different brand names like `Delzicol`, `Asacol`, `Pentasa`. So, today we will talk about this medication, what it does, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine called Mesalamine?
Simply put, `Mesalamine` is a medicine that treats `Ulcerative Colitis`. If you have this disease, you have an inflammation, or a condition similar to inflammation, of the inner wall of your large intestine (digestive tract). Think of it like a skin wound, where the area around it becomes red, swollen, and painful.
So, what this `Mesalamine` medicine does is control and reduce that inflammation . It belongs to a class of drugs called `salicylates`. It not only controls your symptoms, but also helps prevent flare-ups after the disease has cleared up.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Mesalamine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to tell him or her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Because mesalamine can sometimes affect the kidneys. |
| Liver disease | This medicine may also affect liver function. |
| Bowel blockage or Pyloric stenosis | If there is a blockage in the stomach or intestines, the medicine may be blocked. |
| Allergies to mesalamine, aspirin, or other medications/foods | If you have an allergy, serious reactions may occur. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | Parts of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so inform your doctor about this. |
How should I use the medicine?
Using this medicine correctly is very important to get results.
- Swallow the capsule whole: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Before or after food?: This can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach discomfort or heartburn, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. It's important to complete the prescribed course of medication, even if your symptoms improve.
- For young children: This medicine may be recommended for children over 5 years of age in some cases. However, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it.
Warning: If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for your own use only, do not share it with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Other medications: Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications for pain, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or other medications such as azathioprine or mercaptopurine. These can interact with mesalamine. It is best to tell your doctor about all medications and vitamins you are taking.
- Medical tests: The doctor will check you regularly. Go to them at the right times. Tell them if your symptoms are getting better or worse. They may also order blood work.
- Changing Brands: Do not change the brand of Mesalamine you are taking without consulting your doctor, as the dosage is not the same for all brands.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Your skin may be sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. Therefore, if you are going out in the sun, wear long-sleeved clothing and use sunscreen.
- Tablet shell with stool: In some types of Mesalamine, the outer shell of the tablet may not dissolve and pass out with the stool. This is okay if it happens once or twice. But if this happens frequently , tell your doctor about it.
- Drink plenty of water: Ask your doctor how many glasses of water you should drink per day. It is very important to avoid dehydration.
Possible side effects of mesalamine
Like any medicine, `Mesalamine` can cause some side effects. But don't worry, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these and tell your doctor immediately if you notice anything serious.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Myocarditis | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, unusual tiredness, rapid heartbeat. |
| Mesalamine intolerance syndrome | Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, headache, fever, muscle pain. |
| Serious skin problems | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (can also occur inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain | Diarrhea |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Sore throat | Cold-like symptoms |
How do you protect your medicine?
Keep medicines out of the reach of children and pets. It is best to store them at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicines. Dispose of them properly. You can consult your doctor about this.
Take-Home Message
- Mesalamine is a medicine that reduces inflammation in the intestines caused by Ulcerative Colitis.
- Swallow this medicine whole with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing .
- If you have kidney, liver disease, or other allergies , be sure to tell your doctor before starting the medication.
- If you experience serious side effects (such as severe stomach pain, skin rashes, decreased urination) , seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. If you have any problems, talk to him about them.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease are Mesalamine (Mesalamine / Asacol, Lialda) tablets used for?
This is one of the most effective (5-Aminosalicylic acid / 5-ASA) drugs in the world that can treat unbearable stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and severe ulcers in the intestines (Ulcerative Colitis)! It instantly relieves severe inflammation and brings the patient back to normal.
💬 How do these pills (Mesalamine) treat severe intestinal ulcers/discomfort?
Intestinal ulcers/inflammation are caused by chemicals called 'Prostaglandins/Leukotrienes' that are produced in the intestine. The specialty of this pill is that it is not absorbed by the body even after it enters the stomach, it is broken down directly in the large intestine (colon) (Topical action). When it enters the intestine, it completely blocks/closes all the chemical factories (COX/LOX) that create ulcers. Then the swelling and bleeding stop right there.
💬 What are the dangers to be aware of when taking this intestinal medicine (Mesalamine)?
This is quite safe, but some people may experience 'Mesalamine-induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome', which can cause stomach cramps, bleeding, and severe diarrhea! If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking the medicine immediately. Also, since it is made from aspirin/salicylate, people who are allergic to aspirin should not take this medicine!
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