Pronunciation: me-SAL-a-meen
Generic name: mesalamine
Brand names: Apriso, Delzicol, Lialda, Pentasa, Asacol HD
Dosage forms: oral capsule, extended-release (0.375 g; 250 mg; 500 mg), oral delayed-release capsule (400 mg), ... show all 3 dosage forms oral delayed release tablet (1.2 g; 800 mg)
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

What is mesalamine?

Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent (not an immunosuppressant) that may be used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring. Mesalamine is a long-term treatment and may be one of the first treatment options considered for ulcerative colitis.

Mesalamine, also known as 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid), is an aminosalicylic acid chemically related to aspirin. The exact way mesalamine works in ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is thought to reduce inflammation by modulating the response of the cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways, reducing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Some brands of mesalamine are for use only in adults, and some brands are for use in children who are at least 5 years old, for example, the delayed-release (Asacol HD) is for adults, but another brand, Lialda, may be used in adults and children who weigh at least 53 to 77 pounds (24 to 35 kg). Mesalamine capsules and tablets are taken by mouth (orally) and rectal mesalamine preparations (such as Canasa suppositories or Rowasa enemas) are inserted into the rectum to relieve inflammation directly into the lowest part of the bowel.

Mesalamine was first FDA-approved in December 1987 as sfRowasa and Rowasa enemas. Asacol delayed-release tablets were the first oral preparation approved on January 31, 1992. Brand names for mesalamine include Lialda, Pentasa, Apriso, and Delzicol.

Mesalamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mesalamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using mesalamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea;

• fever, headache, general ill feeling;

• rash, itching, eye redness;

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, feeling light-headed, trouble breathing;

• signs of a kidney stone--severe pain in your side and back, frequent need to urinate, foul-smelling urine, dark or cloudy urine;

• kidney problems--increased or decreased urination, swelling, weight gain; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Low white blood cell counts may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of mesalamine may include:

• burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas;

• dizziness;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• back pain;

• headache;

• rash; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings and serious effects

Mesalamine may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Should not be taken by people with a known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates, mesalamine, or any of the inactive ingredients in the preparations. Some hypersensitivity reactions may present with heart inflammation, such as myocarditis and pericarditis. Stop taking mesalamine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Kidney problems have been reported in people taking mesalamine or products that are converted to mesalamine. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function before starting treatment and then regularly thereafter. Mesalamine may not be suitable for people with pre-existing kidney disease or who are also taking other medications that can affect kidney function.

Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome (AIS) that may be difficult to distinguish from an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen while on treatment, stop treatment, or if you suspect AIS.

May not be suitable for people with liver disease.

May cause blood disorders, and seniors or those taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine are more at risk. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brands of mesalamine are not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old. Delzicol should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.

Mesalamine cost

The cost of prescription drugs varies depending on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you use. Refer to our price guide page for more information about the cost of mesalamine.

You may also be eligible for a mesalamine coupon, or mesalamine copay card. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify. Brand names for mesalamine include Lialda, Pentasa, Apriso, and Delzicol.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use mesalamine if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid, Kaopectate, Nuprin Backache, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a kidney stone or kidney disease

• liver disease

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines (such as pyloric stenosis) or

• a skin condition such as eczema

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Some forms of mesalamine contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether mesalamine will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled ulcerative colitis during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight or premature birth. The benefit of treating ulcerative colitis may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Breastfeeding

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in the nursing baby.

How should I take mesalamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read the label on the container. Some mesalamine preparations are taken with food and others are taken on an empty stomach. For example:

• Asacol HD is taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
• Lialda should be taken with a meal
• You may take Apriso with or without food

Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent kidney stones.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.

• If you cannot swallow a Pentasa capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Tell your doctor if you find undissolved mesalamine tablets in your stool.

Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesalamine.

• You may need frequent blood tests to check your blood cells or kidney function.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking mesalamine?

If you have a skin condition such as eczema, mesalamine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb mesalamine.

What are the side effects of mesalamine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mesalamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using mesalamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea;

• fever, headache, general ill feeling;

• rash, itching, eye redness;

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, feeling light-headed, trouble breathing;

• signs of a kidney stone--severe pain in your side and back, frequent need to urinate, foul-smelling urine, dark or cloudy urine;

• kidney problems--increased or decreased urination, swelling, weight gain; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Low white blood cell counts may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of mesalamine may include:

• burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas;

• dizziness;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• back pain;

• headache;

• rash; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect mesalamine?

Mesalamine can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mesalamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Popular FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer