Mesasal (Mesalazine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mesasal Used For?
Mesasal contains mesalazine, which belongs to a group of medicines called salicylates. It works by reducing inflammation in the large intestine.
Primary Uses
Mesasal is used to treat acute inflammatory bowel disease and for regular treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How It Works
Mesasal works by suppressing inflammation in the large intestine, helping to control symptoms and maintain remission of inflammatory bowel conditions.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive.
How to Take Mesasal
Take Mesasal exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not crush or chew them.
Dosage Instructions
For acute ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease: Take two tablets three times a day. To prevent relapses of ulcerative colitis or maintain remission of Crohn’s disease: Take one tablet three times a day. Take your medicine at least 30 minutes before food and at about the same time each day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Mild stomach pains
- Excessive gas in the stomach or bowel
- Increased number of bowel motions
- Diarrhea
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Itchy skin or rash
- Dizziness
- Common cold
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever, muscle aches and pains, painful joints and chest pain
- Mild skin rash, itching or hives
- Severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting
- Numbness or weakness of the arms and legs
- Wheezing, swelling of limbs/lips/tongue/mouth/face/throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Serious skin reactions (DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Strong or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Mesasal.
Who Should Not Take Mesasal
Do not take Mesasal if you are allergic to mesalazine, any other aspirin-like medicines, or any ingredients in the medicine; have severe kidney problems; have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines; have a stomach or duodenal ulcer; are in the last weeks of pregnancy; or if the medicine has expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, lung or breathing problems such as asthma, have taken Mesasal or aspirin-like medicines before and became unwell, or have ever had an allergic reaction to Mesasal, sulfasalazine or aspirin-like medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Serious Skin Reactions: Serious skin reactions including DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported. Stop taking mesalazine and seek medical attention immediately if you experience serious skin symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Mesasal and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- Anti-coagulant medicines such as warfarin
- Glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisolone)
- Diabetes medicines that lower blood sugar
- Medicines containing probenecid and sulfinpyrazone
- Diuretics such as spironolactone and furosemide
- Medicines containing rifampicin
- Immune system suppressants such as methotrexate, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when drinking alcohol or driving while taking Mesasal.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Mesasal affects you.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Mesasal, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Mesasal helps control your inflammatory bowel condition rather than cure it. It’s important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well, as directed by your doctor.
Take your medicine at least 30 minutes before food for best results.
No, this medicine is not addictive.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen or you may have unwanted side effects.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The medication information doesn’t specify complete avoidance, but it’s important to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets as they are specially coated.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.