Mesalamine (Oral)

Brand Names : Asacol, Pentasa, Mesasal, Salofalk, 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA, mesalazine

Proper Use of This Medicine

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.

Take this medicine before meals and at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces) of water, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses .

Do not change to another brand without checking with your doctor . The doses are different for different brands. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

Dosing - The dose of mesalamine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of mesalamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the brand and strength of the medicine.

• For inflammatory bowel disease:
  • For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules or tablets):
    • Adults - 1 gram four times a day for up to eight weeks.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For long-acting oral dosage form (delayed-release tablets):
    • Adults -
      • For Asacol : 800 milligrams (mg) three times a day for six weeks. For maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis, 1600 mg a day, divided into smaller doses that are taken at separate times.
      • For Mesasal : A total of 1.5 to 3 grams a day, divided into smaller doses that are taken at separate times.
      • For Salofalk : 1 gram three or four times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.