Mezavant (Mesalazine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mezavant Used For?
Mezavant contains mesalazine (also called 5-aminosalicylic acid or 5-ASA), an anti-inflammatory medication specifically designed to treat ulcerative colitis.
Primary Uses
Mezavant is used to treat ulcerative colitis during flare-ups and to help prevent future episodes from occurring.
How It Works
When taken for a flare-up of ulcerative colitis, Mezavant works throughout the entire colon and rectum to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
How to Take Mezavant
Take Mezavant exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The tablets can be taken with or without food but must be swallowed whole – never crush or chew them.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and elderly patients: The usual daily dose is 2.4g to 4.8g (two to four tablets) taken once daily for acute episodes. If taking the highest dose of 4.8g daily, you should be evaluated after 8 weeks. For maintenance to prevent recurrence, your doctor may prescribe 2.4g (two tablets) once daily. Take at the same time each day, even when you have no symptoms.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take your next dose as scheduled the following day. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Children under 18 years should not take Mezavant due to lack of safety data.
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
- tiredness
- indigestion
- mild stomach pains
- bloating or passing wind
- excessive gas in stomach or bowel
- increased number of bowel motions
- nausea
- vomiting
- rash or itchy skin
- fever
- loss of strength
- muscle, joint or back pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- acute intolerance syndrome (cramping, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, rash)
- unexplained bruising, rash, anemia, sore throat, unusual bleeding
- allergic swelling of face, eyes, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- widespread rash with skin blistering, particularly around mouth, eyes and genitals
- allergic skin rash with fever
- severe back, side or stomach pain, trouble urinating, pain or burning during urination (kidney stones)
- increased blood pressure
- serious skin rashes with target-like patches, skin peeling, mouth ulcers
- strong or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, ringing in ears (increased skull pressure)
Important Warnings
Before taking Mezavant, inform your doctor about all medical conditions and medications you’re taking to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Mezavant
Do not take Mezavant if you are allergic to mesalazine, any ingredients in the tablets, or salicylates (including aspirin). Always check the ingredient list to ensure you can safely use this medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, previous heart inflammation, previous allergic reactions to mesalazine or sulphasalazine, stomach or gut narrowing/blockage, skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema, history of severe skin reactions, or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Mezavant and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- mesalazine or sulphasalazine (other ulcerative colitis treatments)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
- azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (immunosuppressant medicines)
- warfarin or other coumarin-type anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Alcohol & Driving
Mezavant is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Mezavant is unlikely to have any effect on your ability to drive or use machines safely.
Storage
Store Mezavant tablets in their original pack in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on a windowsill. Keep out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Mezavant, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mezavant works throughout the entire colon and rectum to treat inflammation during flare-ups. Your doctor will evaluate your progress, especially if you’re taking the highest dose of 4.8g daily after 8 weeks of treatment.
Yes, Mezavant can be taken with or without food. However, the tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed or chewed.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take your next dose as scheduled the following day. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Do not stop using Mezavant suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first. It’s important to take Mezavant every day for as long as your doctor tells you to, even when you don’t have symptoms.
Mezavant is not recommended for children under 18 years of age due to lack of data on safety and effectiveness in this age group.
Yes, it’s important to take Mezavant every day for as long as your doctor tells you to, even when you don’t have any symptoms of ulcerative colitis. This helps prevent re-occurrence of episodes.
Make sure all your doctors, dentists, and pharmacists know you are taking Mezavant. Remind them if any new medicines are about to be started, and ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.
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.