How Does Mesalamine Work?
Mesalamine belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that the drug works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the
colon. Mesalamine decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation of
ulcerative colitis.
Mesalamine Uses in Children
Mesalamine has not been approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in children. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug in children.
Off-Label Mesalamine Uses
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend mesalamine for treating something other than the conditions mentioned in this article. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, using mesalamine to treat
Crohn's disease is considered an off-label use for the drug.
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