MesalamineDRTablet

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your healthcare professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Mesalamine Online

MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) DELAYED-RELEASE 1.2 GM - ORAL

(me-SAL-a-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lialda

USES: This medication is prescribed for the treatment of a specific gastrointestinal condition known as ulcerative colitis. It assists in alleviating symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, which include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal discomfort. Mesalamine is categorized under a group of drugs referred to as aminosalicylates. Its mode of action involves reducing inflammation within the colon.

OTHER USES: This section includes applications of this medication that are not specified in the official, approved professional documentation for the drug but might be recommended by your healthcare provider. Utilize this medication for a condition mentioned in this section only if it has been explicitly prescribed for that purpose by your healthcare professional.

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

HOW TO USE:

Administer this medication orally alongside a meal as instructed by your physician, generally once a day.

Consume this medication intact. Avoid crushing, chewing, or fragmenting the tablets. Such actions can interfere with the drug's proper release into the colon.

Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, ensure you consume ample fluids while on this medication to help avoid the formation of kidney stones.

The prescribed dosage depends on your health condition and your response to the treatment. In children, the dosage is also determined by their weight.

Consistent use of this medication is crucial to maximizing its benefits. To assist in remembering, try to take it at the same time each day.

Inform your doctor if your health condition does not show signs of improvement or if it deteriorates.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache or abdominal pain may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, mesalamine can worsen ulcerative colitis. Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen after starting this medication (such as increased abdominal pain/cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, chest pain, shortness of breath.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking mesalamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as balsalazide, olsalazine); or to salicylates (such as aspirin, salsalate); or to sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, stomach blockage (such as pyloric stenosis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, especially if you have skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Interactions between drugs could potentially alter the functioning of your medications or heighten your susceptibility to severe side effects. This information does not include every possible drug interaction. Maintain a record of all the substances you use (comprising both prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as herbal products) and disclose it to your physician and pharmacist. Never initiate, cease, or modify the prescribed amount of any medication without the consent of your doctor.

A product that may interact with this drug is: dichlorphenamide.

Mesalamine is very similar to balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Do not use medications containing balsalazide, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine while using mesalamine.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine normetanephrine levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: In case of an overdose where severe symptoms like unconsciousness or difficulty breathing are present, dial 911 immediately. For other cases, immediately reach out to a poison control center. If you are located in the US, you can contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Residents of Canada should call their regional poison control center. Overdose symptoms might encompass: auditory hallucinations such as ear ringing, disorientation, accelerated respiration, and convulsions.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised August 2021. Copyright(c) 2021 First Databank, Inc.