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Drug

Mesalamine

Pronounced

"mess-AL-uh-meen"

Uses

Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat ulcerative proctitis, a type of bowel disease. It does not cure ulcerative proctitis, but it may decrease the number of stools, the amount of mucus/blood in the stools, and the rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling of 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. If you are using the 1000-milligram strength product, it is usually used once daily at bedtime. If you are using a lower strength product, it is usually used 1 to 3 times daily. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and the strength of your prescription.

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

This medication works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Wash your hands before and after using the medication. Unwrap the suppository right before using. Try to handle it as little as possible because heat from your fingers may cause it to melt. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Gently insert the suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum with your finger. Use a small amount of lubricating gel on the tip of the suppository if desired. Remain lying down for a few minutes. Try to avoid having a bowel movement for 1 to 3 hours, keeping the suppository in place so the medicine can work.

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(s) 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.