Mesalamine is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a disorder that results in swelling and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, as well as to maintain symptom relief. Mesalamine belongs to the group of drugs known as anti-inflammatory agents. It functions by preventing the body from generating a certain chemical that could lead to inflammation.

Mesalamine is a drug that can be taken orally in the forms of a delayed-release tablet, a delayed-release capsule, and an extended-release capsule. The delayed-release tablet releases the medication in the gut where it is most effective. Both adults and kids often take the Lialda delayed-release tablets once day with food. Adults often take the delayed-release pills (Asacol HD) three times a day, on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals. Adults typically take the extended-release capsules (Apriso) once daily in the morning with or without meals. Adults often take the extended-release capsules (Pentasa) four times per day, with or without food. Adults often take the extended-release capsules (Delzicol) 2–4 times a day with or without food, while children typically take them twice daily, preferably in the morning and afternoon.

Ask your doctor or chemist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the mesalamine directions exactly. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not break, chew, or crush the extended-release capsules, delayed-release tablets, or delayed-release capsules. Instead, swallow them whole. Take careful not to damage the delayed-release pills’ protective coating. Pentasa extended-release capsules can be opened and the entire contents sprinkled on a tablespoon of applesauce or yoghurt if you are unable to swallow them. As soon as the combination is prepared, immediately swallow (without chewing). If you are unable to swallow the delayed-release capsules (Delzicol), you can carefully open the capsules, swallow the entire contents of each capsule without chewing, and then sip on some water to be sure you have consumed all of the medication.

Be sure to stay hydrated when taking mesalamine.

Even if you feel better at the start of your treatment, keep taking mesalamine until the end of your prescription. Stop taking mesalamine only after consulting your doctor.

Other prescriptions for this drug are possible. For more information, consult your physician or chemist.

Before taking mesalamine,

• If you have an allergy to mesalamine, balsalazide (Colazal, Giazo), olsalazine (Dipentum), aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, diflunisal, and magnesium salicylate (Doan’s, others) are salicylate pain medications; any drug, including sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), as well as any of the components of mesalamine. Get a list of the ingredients from your chemist.
• Inform your doctor and chemist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Mention any of the following: aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), calcium carbonate (Tums), calcium carbonate and magnesium (Rolaids), azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), iron supplements, or mercapto (Purinethol). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a closer eye on you for adverse effects.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney stones, liver or kidney disease, myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle), pericarditis (swelling of the sac around the heart), eczema (atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and occasionally develop red, scaly rashes), or any of these conditions. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a gastrointestinal obstruction if you plan to take the delayed-release pills (a blockage in your stomach or intestine).
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking mesalamine.
• Plan to use protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen as well as to minimise excessive or prolonged sun exposure. Your skin could become photosensitive if you take mesalamine.
• You should be aware that mesalamine can have major side effects. It may be challenging to distinguish between a reaction to the medicine and a flare-up (episode of symptoms) of your disease because many of the symptoms of this reaction are similar to those of ulcerative colitis. If you suffer any or all of the following signs, contact your doctor right away: stomach cramps, rash, a fever, headache, bloody diarrhoea, or weakness.
• You should be aware that the extended release capsules (Apriso) contain aspartame, a substance that converts to phenylalanine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), an inherited condition that necessitates adherence to a special diet to prevent brain damage that could result in severe intellectual disability.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Mesalamine could have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Pain, aching, tightness, or stiffness in the muscles or joints
• Back ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Burping
• Constipation
• Gas
• Mouth ache
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Acne
• Hair fall
• Reduction in appetite

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• Hives, a rash, itchy, blistering, or peeling skin
• Mouth blisters or sores
• Flu-like symptoms or a fever
• Enlargement of the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, eyes, or other body parts
• Enlarged glands
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• New or intensifying cough
• Chest ache
• Breathing difficulty
• Faeces that is dark or tarry.
• Tainted vomit
• Vomiting what appears to be coffee grounds
• Whatever area of the body swells
  Back or side ache
• Urine that is pink or crimson in hue, unpleasant or difficult to urinate, or that has blood in it
• Extreme fatigue
• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Stomach ache in the right upper portion
• Light stools

Further negative effects of mesalamine might occur. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right once.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excess heat, light, and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your chemist or the garbage/recycling agency in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the abdomen
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Hearing ringing
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Seizures

Delzicol, which contains mesalamine delayed-release tablets, may cause you to notice the entire tablet shell in your faeces. Describe this to your doctor if it occurs regularly.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. Before and during your therapy, your doctor could request specific laboratory testing.

Inform the lab staff and your doctor that you are taking mesalamine prior to any laboratory test.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding prescription refills should be directed to your chemist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.