Drug
Mesalamine
Pronounced
"mess-AL-uh-meen"
Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates. It works by decreasing swelling in the colon.
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
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, you may take it with or without food. If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, take it with meals.
Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on applesauce or yogurt before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.
Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.