Active mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)

5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative
Mesalamine is equally effective as sulfasalazine in treating inflammatory bowel disease; the side effect profile is superior to that of sulfasalazine. Mesalazine may eventually replace the use of its parent drug.

Bioavailability: 10% to 30%
Protein binding: 43%; Vd: 0.2 L/kg

Hypersensitivity to mesalazine, sulfite or salicylates.

When treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is needed in pregnant patients, mesalamine can be continued without interruption.

Treatment with mesalamine is considered compatible with breastfeeding; monitored for diarrhea in the infants.

Abdominal pain, constipation, eructation, headache, nasopharyngitis

4 g rectally once daily at bedtime (retain for 8 hours) for 3 to 6 weeks

There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling

There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution in patients with cirrhosis and start at the low end of dosage range.