Asacol Dosage

Generic name: MESALAMINE 400mg
Dosage form: tablet, delayed release
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 18, 2024.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

Two Asacol 400 mg tablets are not interchangeable or substitutable with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet.
Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of Asacol
Take Asacol tablets with or without food.
Swallow Asacol tablets whole. Do not cut, break or chew the tablets.
Intact, partially intact, and/or tablet shells have been reported in the stool; Instruct patients to contact their physician if this occurs repeatedly.
Protect Asacol tablets from moisture. Close the container tightly and to leave any desiccant pouches present in the bottle along with the tablets.

2.2 Dosage for Treatment of Mildly to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis

Adults

For adults, the recommended dosage of Asacol is 800 mg (two 400 mg tablets) three times daily (total daily dosage of 2.4 grams) for a duration of 6 weeks.

Pediatrics

For pediatric patients 5 years of age and older, the recommended total daily dosage of Asacol is weight-based (up to maximum of 2.4 grams/day) divided into two daily doses for a duration of 6 weeks (see Table 1).

Table 1. Pediatric Dosage by Weight
Weight Group (kg)	Daily Dosage (mg/kg/day)	Maximum Daily Dosage (grams/day)	Morning Dosage	Afternoon Dosage
17 to <33	36 to 71	1.2	two 400 mg tablets	one 400 mg tablet
33 to <54	37 to 61	2	three 400 mg tablets	two 400 mg tablets
54 to 90	27 to 44	2.4	three 400 mg tablets	three 400 mg tablets