MESACOL 400MG

# MESALAMINE IP 400 MG ## Short Description **Mesalamine IP 400 mg** (also known as **mesalazine**) is an oral **5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)** anti-inflammatory medicine used primarily to treat and maintain remission in **ulcerative colitis** and certain other inflammatory bowel diseases. It works mainly within the lining of the intestine to reduce inflammation. The exact dose and formulation—such as delayed-release, enteric-coated, or extended-release—can significantly affect how the medicine should be taken. --- ## Key Benefits * Helps reduce **intestinal inflammation** associated with ulcerative colitis. * Helps relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and rectal bleeding when inflammation is controlled. * Can help maintain **remission** and reduce recurrence of ulcerative colitis in appropriate patients. * Acts mainly on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. * Provides a non-steroidal option for long-term inflammatory bowel disease management. * May reduce the need for corticosteroids in some patients with mild-to-moderate disease. --- ## Uses / Indications ### 1. Ulcerative Colitis Mesalamine is primarily used for the treatment of **mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis**, including active disease and maintenance of remission, depending on the specific formulation. It may help control symptoms such as: * Frequent bowel movements * Diarrhea * Rectal bleeding * Abdominal discomfort * Urgency to pass stools ### 2. Maintenance of Remission Mesalamine may be continued after symptoms improve to help maintain remission and reduce the likelihood of relapse. ### 3. Other Inflammatory Bowel Conditions Certain mesalamine formulations may be used in other inflammatory bowel conditions, but approved indications vary by formulation and country. > **Important:** Mesalamine products are not interchangeable solely based on the strength printed on the package. Different formulations release the medicine at different locations in the gastrointestinal tract. --- ## How It Works Mesalamine is a **5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)** anti-inflammatory medicine. After reaching the intestinal tract, it acts locally on the intestinal mucosa and reduces inflammatory activity. It is believed to work through several mechanisms, including reducing the production and activity of inflammatory mediators such as: * Prostaglandins * Leukotrienes * Other inflammatory signaling molecules This helps reduce inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. Unlike systemic corticosteroids, mesalamine primarily provides its anti-inflammatory effect **locally within the gastrointestinal tract**. --- ## Dosage & Administration **Take Mesalamine IP 400 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor.** The correct dosage depends on: * Whether the disease is active or in remission * Severity of ulcerative colitis * Location of inflammation * Specific mesalamine formulation * Patient response * Kidney function ### General Administration * Take the tablet/capsule exactly according to the product instructions. * Swallow the dosage form whole if it is enteric-coated or delayed-release. * **Do not crush, chew, or break modified-release tablets/capsules** unless the product instructions specifically permit it. * Take with water. * Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding food and timing. ### Dose A **400 mg tablet is a strength, not a universal dosing regimen**. Patients may require multiple tablets per day depending on the formulation and indication. Therefore, do not determine your total daily dose solely from the 400 mg strength. ### During Treatment Your doctor may monitor: * Symptoms * Blood counts * Kidney function * Liver function where appropriate ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take two doses at the same time** to compensate for a missed dose. --- ## Side Effects ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Headache * Abdominal pain * Nausea * Indigestion * Diarrhea * Flatulence * Dizziness * Fatigue Some gastrointestinal symptoms can overlap with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease itself. ### Less Common Side Effects Some patients may experience: * Rash * Itching * Joint pain * Fever * Changes in liver enzymes ### Serious Side Effects Rare but potentially serious reactions include: * Kidney inflammation or kidney impairment * Severe hypersensitivity reactions * Pancreatitis * Myocarditis or pericarditis * Serious skin reactions * Blood abnormalities Seek medical attention if you develop: * Severe abdominal pain * Chest pain * Difficulty breathing * Unexplained fever * Severe rash or blistering * Markedly reduced urine output * Blood in the urine --- ## Precautions & Warnings ### Kidney Function Mesalamine can rarely affect kidney function. Patients with existing kidney disease may require closer monitoring of **serum creatinine and renal function**. ### Liver Disease Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function. ### Salicylate Allergy Tell your healthcare professional if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to: * Mesalamine * Aspirin * Other salicylates * Certain NSAIDs ### Blood Disorders Rarely, mesalamine can cause abnormalities in blood cells. Seek medical advice if you develop: * Unexplained fever * Sore throat * Unusual bruising * Persistent weakness ### Severe Skin Reactions Stop treatment and seek medical attention if you develop a severe rash, blistering, skin peeling, or sores involving the mouth or eyes. ### Acute Intolerance Syndrome Rarely, mesalamine can cause an acute intolerance reaction that may resemble worsening inflammatory bowel disease, with symptoms such as: * Abdominal cramps * Abdominal pain * Bloody diarrhea * Fever * Headache * Rash Contact your doctor if symptoms suddenly worsen after starting treatment. ### Dehydration Adequate fluid intake is important, particularly during episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, because dehydration may increase the risk of kidney problems. --- ## Drug Interactions Mesalamine may interact with certain medicines or increase the risk of adverse effects. ### Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Medicines such as: * Ibuprofen * Naproxen * Diclofenac * Aspirin may increase the risk of kidney problems or gastrointestinal adverse effects in susceptible patients. ### Anticoagulants Mesalamine may potentially affect bleeding risk or interact with anticoagulant treatment such as **warfarin**. Medical monitoring may be appropriate. ### Azathioprine / 6-Mercaptopurine Combining mesalamine with thiopurines may increase the risk of certain **blood-related adverse effects** in some patients. ### Other Nephrotoxic Medicines Medicines that can affect kidney function may require additional caution when used with mesalamine. ### Antacids Depending on the specific formulation, antacids or changes in gastrointestinal pH may affect the release characteristics of certain modified-release mesalamine products. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use. --- ## Storage Information * Store according to the **manufacturer's recommended temperature**. * Keep tablets/capsules in their original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged or the dosage form appears abnormal. * Follow any specific storage instructions provided with the particular mesalamine formulation. --- ## Prescription Status **Mesalamine IP 400 mg is generally a prescription medicine.** It should be used under medical supervision, particularly because the appropriate formulation and dose depend on the location and severity of intestinal inflammation. Prescription requirements vary by country. --- ## Genuine Medicine Assurance When purchasing **Mesalamine IP 400 mg**, ensure that you: * Purchase from a **licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier**. * Verify the generic name, strength, and dosage form. * Check the manufacturer's name. * Check the batch/lot number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging is sealed and intact. * Confirm whether the product is delayed-release, enteric-coated, or another formulation. * Avoid products with damaged, altered, or suspicious packaging. * Do not purchase prescription medicines from unauthorized sellers. For authenticity, compare the packaging, manufacturer details, batch information, and product description with the manufacturer's official documentation or relevant medicines regulatory authority. --- # FAQ ### 1. What is Mesalamine IP 400 mg used for? Mesalamine IP 400 mg is primarily used to treat **ulcerative colitis** and help maintain remission by reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining. ### 2. Is Mesalamine an antibiotic? **No.** Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory medicine belonging to the **5-ASA** class. ### 3. Is Mesalamine a steroid? **No.** Mesalamine is not a corticosteroid. It is a locally acting intestinal anti-inflammatory medicine. ### 4. Can Mesalamine treat ulcerative colitis? Yes. Mesalamine is commonly used for **mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis**, both to control active inflammation and, with appropriate formulations, to maintain remission. ### 5. Does Mesalamine cure ulcerative colitis? There is currently no permanent cure for ulcerative colitis with mesalamine. It can help **control inflammation and maintain remission**, reducing symptoms and disease activity. ### 6. How does Mesalamine work? Mesalamine acts mainly on the intestinal mucosa and reduces the production and activity of inflammatory mediators, thereby decreasing intestinal inflammation. ### 7. How many Mesalamine 400 mg tablets should I take? The number of tablets depends on the **specific formulation, indication, disease severity, and treatment goal**. Do not determine the dose solely from the 400 mg strength. ### 8. Should Mesalamine 400 mg be taken with food? Instructions vary between formulations. Follow the specific manufacturer's directions regarding food and timing. ### 9. Can Mesalamine 400 mg be crushed or chewed? Many mesalamine products are specially formulated for delayed or controlled release and **should not be crushed or chewed**. Check the product instructions before altering the dosage form. ### 10. What happens if I miss a Mesalamine dose? Take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional. ### 11. Can Mesalamine cause stomach pain? Yes. Abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can occur. However, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain should be evaluated because it can also indicate active bowel disease or a rare adverse reaction. ### 12. Can Mesalamine affect the kidneys? Rarely, mesalamine can cause kidney inflammation or impaired kidney function. Your doctor may monitor kidney function during treatment. ### 13. Does Mesalamine cause diarrhea? Diarrhea can occur as a side effect, but diarrhea is also a common symptom of ulcerative colitis. If diarrhea suddenly worsens after starting mesalamine, contact your doctor. ### 14. Can I take Mesalamine with ibuprofen? Consult your healthcare professional before combining them. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may increase the risk of kidney problems or gastrointestinal adverse effects in susceptible individuals. ### 15. Can Mesalamine be taken with azathioprine? The combination is sometimes used in inflammatory bowel disease, but it may increase the risk of certain blood-related adverse effects. Appropriate medical monitoring may be required. ### 16. Is Mesalamine safe during pregnancy? Mesalamine may be used during pregnancy when clinically appropriate, but the decision should be made with a healthcare professional based on the individual's condition and the specific formulation. ### 17. Can Mesalamine be taken while breastfeeding? Mesalamine is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding in many clinical circumstances, but patients should discuss treatment with their healthcare professional and monitor the infant for unusual diarrhea or other symptoms. ### 18. How long does Mesalamine take to work? Some patients experience improvement within days, while controlling active inflammatory bowel disease may take longer. The response depends on disease severity and the specific formulation. ### 19. Can I stop Mesalamine when I feel better? Do not stop prescribed maintenance treatment without consulting your doctor. Mesalamine is often continued to **help maintain remission** even after symptoms improve. ### 20. Is Mesalamine 400 mg available without a prescription? In many countries, mesalamine is a **prescription medicine**. Availability and regulations vary by country. --- ## Medical Disclaimer This information is provided for **educational and informational purposes only** and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. **Mesalamine IP 400 mg is a prescription intestinal anti-inflammatory medicine primarily used in ulcerative colitis.** The exact dosage, administration instructions, and approved indications depend heavily on the specific formulation because different mesalamine products are designed to release the medicine at different locations within the gastrointestinal tract. Patients taking mesalamine may require monitoring of **kidney function and other laboratory parameters**, particularly during prolonged treatment or when risk factors are present. Seek prompt medical attention for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe rash, unusual bleeding, or markedly reduced urine output. Always follow the **specific manufacturer's package insert and your gastroenterologist's or physician's instructions**, as formulations, approved uses, dosing schedules, warnings, and prescription requirements may vary between products and countries.