Mesalamine

Mesalamine is a medication that is licensed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults. It helps to reduce symptoms of the condition by inhibiting the production of the chemicals that cause inflammation in the lining of the colon. Mesalamine is available by prescription and comes in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas.

 

What Is Mesalamine?

Mesalamine is a prescription medication that is used to treat ulcerative colitis. It comes in several forms, including:
 
(Click Mesalamine Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Mesalamine Work?

Mesalamine belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that the medicine 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 caused by ulcerative colitis.
 

When and How to Take Mesalamine

General considerations for when and how to take mesalamine include the following:
 
  • Some forms of mesalamine (capsules and tablets) are taken by mouth, while others (suppositories and enemas) are taken rectally.
     
  • Some forms of mesalamine are taken just once a day, while others are taken four times daily.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Mesalamine will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Mesalamine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;