Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Mesalazine

Used For

Acidity & Ulcers

How it works

Mesalazine has an anti-inflammatory effect through a mechanism that has not yet been fully clarified. Mesalazine inhibits migration of polymorph nuclear leukocytes and lipoxygenase of cells at concentrationsreached in the large intestine during treatment. The production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTB4 and 5-HETE) in macrophages of the intestinal wall is then inhibited. Mesalazine has been shown to activatePPAR-Y receptors which counteract nuclear activation of intestinal inflammatory responses.

Dosage

Mesalazine

Side Effects

Common : Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, drug fever, dizziness, arthralgia and dyspepsiaRare : Myocarditis, pericarditis, anemia, tinnitus, paresthesia, flatulence, pruritus, urticaria, myalgia, interstitial nephritis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, abnormal renal , function, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis and neutropenia.

Drug Interactions

Digoxin , Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine , furosemide and spironolactone , warfarin , glucocorticoids , NSAIDs, methotrexate.

Indication

Mesalazine is indicated for the treatment of:- Mild to moderate acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis.- Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.- Maintenance of remission of crohn's ileo-colitis.

When not to Use

Mesalazine is contraindicated in:• Patients with a history of sensitivity to salicylates.• Patients with severe renal insufficiency.• Patients with severe hepatic insufficiency.• Children under 2 years of age.• Concomitant use of lactulose or similar preparations should be avoided.

Precaution

Patients on oral forms of mesalazine should have renal function monitored with serum creatinine levels measured prior to treatment start, every three months for the first year, then 6 monthly for the next 4 yearsand annually after that. Treatment with mesalazine should be discontinued if renal function deteriorates.

Warning 1

Following mesalazine treatment, serious blood dyscrasias have been reported rarely. If the patient develops unexplained bleeding, hematoma bruising, purpura, anemia, persistent fever or sore throat, hematological investigations should be performed. If there is suspicion of blood dyscrasia, treatment should be terminated.

Warning 2

In case of existing gastric or duodenal ulcers treatment should begin with caution based on theoretical grounds.

Warning 3

Cautinon should be used in patients with previous myopericarditis of allergic background regardless of its origin.

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.