Brand & Generic Names

Mesalazine
Rowasa
Salofalk
5-ASA

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal)

Uses

• Treats ulcerative colitis.
• Reduces inflammatory conditions of the lower colon and rectum.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Use as an enema. Insert the tip of the pre-packaged medicine container into the rectum. Squeeze container to empty contents. Retain in rectum all night or as long as possible.

When to use:
Each night, preferably after a bowel movement. Continue for 3 to 6 weeks according to your doctor's instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Decreases production of arachidonic acid forms which are increased in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Time lapse before drug works:
3 to 21 days.

Don't take with:
Oral sulfasalazine concurrently. To do so may increase chances of kidney damage.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

No action needed.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Hair loss.

Rare:

• Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, skin rash, anal irritation.
• Gaseousness, nausea, headache.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any medication containing sulfasalazine (such as Azulfidine) or mesalamine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have had chronic kidney disease.

Over age 60:
More sensitive to drug. Aggravates symptoms of enlarged prostate. Causes impaired thinking, hallucinations, nightmares. Consult doctor about any of these.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult your doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended for children 3 and younger. Use for older children only under doctor's supervision.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check urine.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Internal eye pressure should be measured regularly.
• Avoid becoming overheated.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Sulfasalazine, oral	Increased risk of toxicity to kidney.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.