Asacol Dosage

For those who are treating mild-to-moderately-active ulcerative colitis with Asacol, dosing typically starts at two 400 mg tablets three times a day for six weeks. Once your condition is in remission, your healthcare provider may choose to decrease your daily Asacol dose to four tablets, taken in separate doses. Make sure to take your Asacol dosage at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the medicine in your blood.

 

An Introduction to Asacol Dosage

The dose of Asacol® (mesalamine) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The severity of your condition
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Asacol dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Asacol Dosing for Active Ulcerative Colitis
The recommended starting Asacol dose for mild-to-moderately-active ulcerative colitis is two Asacol 400 mg tablets three times daily (for a total of 2400 mg or 2.4 grams daily) for six weeks.
 
Asacol Dosing for Ulcerative Colitis Remission
Once your ulcerative colitis is in remission, your healthcare provider may decrease your dose to Asacol 1600 mg (four tablets) daily in divided doses (such as one tablet four times daily or two tablets twice daily).
 

General Information on Asacol Dosing

Some considerations for people taking Asacol include:
 
  • Asacol comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth three times daily.
     
  • It does not matter if you take the medication with or without food. If Asacol bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Asacol tablets are delayed-release and have a special coating. In order to protect the special coating, you should not cut, chew, or crush Asacol tablets.
     
  • Asacol should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Asacol will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or Asacol dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;