Mesalamine

Mesalamine (me SAL a meen) treats ulcerative colitis. It may also be used to prevent flare-ups once your symptoms are controlled. It works by decreasing inflammation in the digestive tract. It belongs to a group of medications called salicylates.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Mesalamine is used to treat and prevent flare-ups of mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease). It works inside the bowels to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of the disease.

Serious side effects requiring immediate reporting to your healthcare team may include:

- Allergic reactions: such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

- Respiratory issues: including dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

- Cardiac complications: like unusual weakness or fatigue, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands

- Kidney problems: indicated by decreased urine output and swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, or the presence of kidney stones

- Liver damage: characterized by right upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual weakness or fatigue

- Mesalamine intolerance syndrome: presenting as stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, fever, or rash

- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

- Skin issues: such as redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Less serious side effects that may not require immediate medical attention but should be reported if they persist or become bothersome include:

- Diarrhea

- Headache

- Nausea

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Light sensitivity

- Sore throat

- Stomach pain