About mesalamine
Aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory medicine
Used for
- Treats mild to moderate ulcerative colitis
- Helps maintain remission of ulcerative colitis
Usual adult dose
Commonly 2.4–4.8 g daily for active disease; maintenance doses vary by product and clinician.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 5 years and older, dosing is weight-based and varies by product and condition.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
Important warnings
- Rarely, kidney problems; kidney function is monitored during treatment.
- Seek urgent care for severe rash, breathing difficulty, or chest pain.
- Do not crush or chew delayed-release tablets; follow product instructions.
- Contact a clinician for worsening symptoms or suspected intolerance.
Pregnancy
May be used when needed under medical supervision; untreated inflammatory bowel disease also carries risks.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible; monitor the infant for diarrhoea.
Interactions
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin: bleeding effects may change.
- Azathioprine or mercaptopurine: may increase blood-cell suppression risk.
- Other medicines affecting the kidneys may increase kidney-related risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.