Do you also have a condition called 'Ulcerative Colitis'? If so, your doctor may have prescribed a medicine called Mesalamine. You may know this medicine by the brand name Pentasa. This is a very important medicine that is prescribed to many people. So today, let's talk about this medicine, how to use it properly, and what things we need to be careful about when taking this medicine.
What is Mesalamine?
Simply put, Mesalamine is a medication used to treat a condition called Ulcerative Colitis . This condition is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum. Mesalamine works by reducing this inflammation in your digestive system.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Control symptoms when they occur.
- Once symptoms are under control, prevent flare-ups.
This is actually a drug that belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin, called salicylates. That's why it helps reduce inflammation.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will be used to decide whether this medication is right for you or not. Be sure to tell him about the following things in particular:
- Kidney disease: If you currently have or have had any kidney disease.
- Liver diseases: If you have liver problems.
- Bowel obstruction: If you have ever had a bowel blockage before.
- Pyloric Stenosis: This refers to a narrowing of the muscle at the bottom of the stomach. If you know you have this condition, tell us about it.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to mesalamine, aspirin, other salicylate medications, or any other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please tell us about it.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also tell the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How should I use this medicine?
To get the best results from a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water. Make a habit of taking it at the same time every day.
- This is a medicine that comes in the form of a capsule. Do not break, crush, or chew this capsule. It should be swallowed whole.
- Suppose you have difficulty swallowing the capsule whole. If so, you can carefully open it, mix the medicine powder inside with a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow it all at once. But remember, do not chew the medicine powder or the applesauce. Swallow it whole.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, it may require special care, so talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much 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. Do not delay.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to consider when taking medication
It's a good idea to take a little extra care of your health while using this medicine.
- Visit your doctor: Visit your doctor at regular intervals to check on the progress of your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor .
- Blood tests: While taking this medication, your doctor may order blood work to check your kidney and liver function.
- Sun protection: Your skin may become a little sensitive to sunlight while taking this medicine. This is very important with the sun in Sri Lanka. Therefore, avoid going out in the strong sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear sun-protective clothing and use a good sunscreen. Do not use things like sun lamps or tanning beds at all.
- Drink plenty of water: Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day. Don't let your body become dehydrated.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Especially medications like Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine , and pain relievers called NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) may interact with this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Mesalamine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart muscle inflammation | Feeling unusually tired, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness. |
| Mesalamine intolerance syndrome | Severe stomach pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, fever, skin rash. |
| Blisters or other skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat. |
| Stomach pain | Normal stomach ache. |
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time, in the right dose. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, yellowing of the skin, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated while taking this medication.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others. Always talk to your doctor about any problems you have.
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