Pentasa Suppositories (Mesalazine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pentasa Suppositories Used For?
Pentasa Suppositories contain mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory medicine similar to aspirin that helps reduce inflammation in the rectum.
Primary Uses
Pentasa is used to treat proctitis, a condition that causes inflammation, ulcers and sores in the rectum (back passage). This leads to symptoms like bleeding, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
How It Works
Pentasa is an anti-inflammatory agent that works similarly to aspirin and is thought to reduce inflammation in the rectum.
Good to know: This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it. It’s important to keep using it even if you feel well.
How to Take Pentasa Suppositories
Use Pentasa exactly as directed by your doctor. The suppository should be inserted into the rectum at bedtime for best results.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is one suppository (1g) inserted into the rectum once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosage based on your individual needs. If possible, empty your bowels before using the suppository as it will work better. Insert the entire contents of the suppository into the rectum. Do not swallow the suppository.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next suppository, skip the missed dose and use your next suppository when scheduled. Use Pentasa regularly at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence (gas, stomach discomfort)
- Mild skin rash
- Discomfort, pain or itching in the anus or rectum during or after insertion
- Dizziness
- Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity)
- Changes in blood counts
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Changes in liver function
- Hair loss (reversible)
- Joint pain or swelling
- Muscle aches and pains
- Lupus-like reactions (skin, joint and kidney effects)
- Low sperm count (reversible)
- Drug fever (chills and aches)
- Kidney stones
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath (heart problems)
- Severe upper stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (pancreas inflammation)
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, signs of infection like fever, chills, sore throat (blood disorders)
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in arms and legs (nerve problems)
- Severe diarrhea, bloody stools (worsening condition)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, urine discoloration (liver disease)
- Changes in urine output, blood in urine, swelling (kidney disease)
- Red lesions or severe rash
- Increased brain pressure, severe headaches, vision changes, ringing in ears
- Allergic reactions: rash, itching, hives, breathing problems, swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- Severe skin reactions with blisters and bleeding of eyes, mouth, lips, nose and genitals
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Pentasa Suppositories. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Pentasa Suppositories
Do not use Pentasa if you are allergic to mesalazine or any ingredients in the medicine, or if you have severe kidney or liver problems. Do not give to children 12 years old or under as safety has not been established in this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: known allergies to Pentasa, sulfasalazine or aspirin-like medicines; kidney or liver problems; bleeding disorders; history of asthma; or if you take any other medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Pentasa should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, only if potential benefits outweigh possible risks. The underlying inflammatory bowel disease itself may increase risks for pregnancy outcomes.
Blood Tests Required: Pentasa may cause kidney, liver or blood problems in some people. You must have regular blood tests to check your kidney function as recommended by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Pentasa belongs to a group of medicines called salicylates that may interfere with other medications. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Anti-coagulants (blood thinners like warfarin) – may increase blood thinning effects
- Sulphonylureas (diabetes medicines like glibenclamide, glipizide) – may increase blood sugar lowering effects
- Methotrexate (cancer/arthritis medicine) – may increase toxic effects
- Glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory medicines like prednisolone) – may increase stomach side effects
- Probenicid or sulfinpyrazone (gout medicines) – may decrease their effectiveness
- Spironolactone or frusemide (diuretics) – may decrease their effectiveness
- Rifampicin (tuberculosis medicine) – may decrease its effectiveness
- Azathioprine, mercaptopurine, thioguanine (immune system medicines) – may increase bone marrow effects
Alcohol & Driving
Pentasa is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Pentasa is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings are mentioned.
Storage
Keep Pentasa suppositories in their original packaging until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Pentasa or if the medicine has been swallowed by mouth, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication information doesn’t specify exact timing, but it’s designed to work locally in the rectum to reduce inflammation. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pentasa should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks, as determined by your doctor.
If it’s almost time for your next suppository, skip the missed dose and use your next suppository when scheduled. Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, do not stop using this medicine or lower the dosage suddenly without checking with your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen.
Yes, you should have regular blood tests as recommended by your doctor. Pentasa may cause kidney, liver or blood problems in some people, so monitoring is important.
If the suppository has been swallowed, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
No, do not use Pentasa to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to. It is specifically prescribed for your condition.
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.