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Drug

Mesalamine

Pronounced

"mess-AL-uh-meen"

Uses

Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat certain types of bowel disease (distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis, proctitis). It does not cure these conditions, but it may relieve mild-to-moderate pain and decrease the frequency of diarrhea/bloody stools caused by irritation/swelling in the colon/rectum. Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for Crohn's disease.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using mesalamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication rectally as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

Before using, check this product for discoloration. The medication should be off-white to tan in color. A slight darkening of the medication is normal, but if the medication turns dark brown, do not use the enema.

This medication works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Shake the bottle well. Holding the bottle at the neck, remove the cover from the applicator tip. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent. Insert the tip of the bottle into the rectum, pointing toward the navel. Gently and steadily squeeze out the entire contents of the bottle. Remove the bottle. Remain in position for 30 minutes. Throw away the empty bottle. Try to keep the medication in the rectum for 8 hours.

This medication may stain surfaces that it touches (such as clothing, floor, and counter surfaces).

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.