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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Mesalazine (oral)

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Mesalazine (oral)

  • There are a number of different brands of mesalazine but they do not all work in the same way. Make sure you receive the same brand of mesalazine each time you collect your prescription.
  • If your symptoms do not improve, speak with your doctor.
  • It is important that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. You may require regular blood tests.
  • If you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat, a high temperature or if you generally feel unwell, contact your doctor straight away.

About mesalazine

Type of medicineAminosalicylate
Used forTreatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and prevention of further episodes
Maintenance of remission of Crohn's ileo-colitis
Also calledAsacol® MR
Pentasa®
Salofalk®
Ipocol®
Mesren® MR
Mezavant® XL
Octasa® 800mg MR
Available asTablets, modified-release tablets and modified-release granules

Before taking mesalazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you are over 65 years of age.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. This is particularly important if you have had an unusual reaction to a sulphonamide antibiotic, aspirin or salicylate.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take mesalazine

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take mesalazine exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • Mesalazine tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. (If you have been given Pentasa® tablets, these may be broken up and stirred into a glass of water before swallowing, but must not be chewed or crushed).
  • If you have been given the brand Mezavant® XL, you should take these tablets with or straight after food. If you have been given any other brand of mesalazine tablets, you can take your tablets before or after meals.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as mesalazine tablets because they can affect the coating on the tablets which stops the mesalazine from being released correctly.
  • If you have been given the granules, these should be placed on your tongue and washed down with water, without chewing. You can take the granules before or after meals.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Each time you collect a prescription, make sure you have been given the same brand of mesalazine.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. If your symptoms do not improve, let your doctor know.
  • It is important for you to follow any dietary or life-style advice you have been given, such as which foods to eat, drinking plenty of water and stopping smoking.
  • If you are taking mesalazine for a long time, you are likely to require blood tests and your kidney function will be checked regularly.

Can mesalazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, abdominal painEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor straight away or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Any unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat, a high temperature or if you generally feel unwell.
  • An allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, tongue, or mouth.
  • A severe skin rash.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store mesalazine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of you local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 1002DocRef: dils2934Last Reviewed: 17 Jan 2011Version: 25
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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