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Mesalamine brand?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Mesalamine

Mesalamine (5‑ASA) – Common Brand Names (mostly U.S. & Western markets)

Form Brand Name(s) What’s Different? Typical Use
Oral (enteric‑coated tablets) Asacol® Enteric coating that releases drug in the ileum and ascending colon. Moderate‑to‑severe ulcerative colitis (UC) that involves the entire colon.
Pentasa® pH‑dependent release; dissolves at higher pH in the ileum/colon. Similar to Asacol; sometimes preferred for patients who tolerate Pentasa well.
Lialda® Newer formulation with a sodium salt of mesalamine and a different coating that targets the distal colon/rectum. Mild‑to‑moderate distal UC (sigmoid/rectum).
Apriso® Oral mesalamine with a different coating that allows a “topical” effect in the colon. Mild to moderate UC, especially with left‑sided disease.
Mesalazine® (generic) Same active ingredient, often cheaper. Any of the above indications.
Rectal (suppositories/enemas) Delzicol® (mesalamine enema) Mesalamine formulated for enema delivery. Proctitis, left‑sided UC.
Mesaloprost® (not mesalamine) – Mesaloprost is actually a prostaglandin analogue used for uterine conditions.

Note: Some countries use the same names (e.g., Asacol® in Canada, UK, Australia). In many places the drug is sold generically as “mesalamine” or “mesalazine.”

Quick How‑It‑Works

  • Mechanism: 5‑ASA (mesalamine) is released in the colon where it inhibits prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, scavenges free radicals, and modulates cytokine production—reducing inflammation.
  • Delivery: Enteric coatings prevent early dissolution in the stomach so that the drug reaches the colon intact.
  • Form‑Specific:
    • Enteric tablets (Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda) are meant to act throughout the colon.
    • Lialda focuses on the distal colon/rectum.
    • Enemas (Delzicol) deliver drug directly to the rectum.

Typical Dosing (U.S. practice)

Condition Oral Rectal
Mild‑to‑moderate UC 1.2 – 2.4 g/day (split into 3 doses) 2.4 g suppository once nightly (or 2.4 g enema)
Moderate‑to‑severe UC 2.4 g/day 2.4 g suppository or enema
Proctitis 1.2 g/day 2.4 g enema or suppository (often twice daily)

Always follow your doctor’s specific dosing plan. Dosage may be adjusted based on disease extent, severity, and response.

Common Side Effects

Symptom Frequency When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea Up to 10 % Persistent, severe, or associated with fever
Headache 5 % Worsening or new neurological symptoms
Rash or itching < 1 % Signs of allergy (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty)
Nausea, vomiting < 5 % Recurrent or severe
Rare: lupus‑like syndrome, eosinophilic colitis, kidney dysfunction < 0.1 % Any unusual symptoms or lab abnormalities

Drug Interactions (Quick List)

Drug Effect Why it Matters
NSAIDs ↓‑absorption May worsen ulcerative colitis flare or kidney function
Metformin ↑‑blood glucose Mesalamine can lower metformin’s effectiveness
Antacids (Mg‑rich) ↑‑mesalamine absorption May


Other Questions About Mesalamine :

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