MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

  • Home
  • MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (me-SAL-a-meen/a-MEE-noe-sal-i-SIL-ik AS-id)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pentasa

GENERIC NAME(S): mesalamine

Uses

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.


How to use MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: 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. 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 improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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. Infrequently, 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), 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

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), skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). 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 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.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. 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

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: ringing in the ears, confusion, rapid breathing, seizures.

Images

PENTASA 250 MG CAPSULE
PENTASA 250 MG CAPSULE
PENTASA 250 MG CAPSULE
color
green
shape
oblong
imprint
S429 250 mg, logo and 2010
PENTASA 500 MG CAPSULE
PENTASA 500 MG CAPSULE
PENTASA 500 MG CAPSULE
color
blue
shape
oblong
imprint
S429 500 mg, logo

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

Mesalamine Extended-Release is used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by decreasing the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation in the intestines.

Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and gas. Report any severe side effects to your healthcare professional.

Take Mesalamine Extended-Release as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush or chew them.

Inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking before starting Mesalamine Extended-Release. Some drugs may interact and affect the effectiveness of Mesalamine.

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on Mesalamine Extended-Release, as alcohol can worsen the side effects of the medication.

Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The risks and benefits of using Mesalamine Extended-Release during these periods should be carefully evaluated.

The response time varies for each individual. It may take weeks to months for the full effects of the medication to be seen. Stick to your prescribed dosage and be patient.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

- Mesalamine is used to treat ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

- Mesalamine works by reducing the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation in the colon and rectum.

- Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and rash.

- It is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush, chew, or break them.

- It may take several weeks for the full benefits of Mesalamine to be seen. However, some improvement in symptoms may be noticed within the first few weeks.

- It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Mesalamine, as alcohol can worsen gastrointestinal side effects.

- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Mesalamine. Most commonly, Mesalamine interacts with blood thinners.

- It is important to consult with your doctor before taking Mesalamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the potential risks and benefits need to be evaluated.

- Inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, are allergic to salicylates, or have a history of certain blood disorders. Mesalamine may affect certain laboratory tests, so inform the lab personnel about its usage.

MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL Pricing Page Get Discount Coupon


Disclaimer

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 health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.