Mesalamine Medications

Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent used topically in the intestine to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It exerts its effects through local action on the colonic mucosa.

Asacol

Mesalamine

$1.24 per pill

400mg

Select pack

Pentasa

Mesalamine

$1.32 per pill

400mg

Select pack

Mesalamine Information

Mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is a locally acting anti-inflammatory drug used primarily to treat ulcerative colitis and, in some formulations, Crohn’s disease limited to the colon. Belonging to the class of aminosalicylates, it delivers its effect directly to the intestinal lining, where it modulates inflammatory pathways without significant systemic absorption. The ingredient is marketed under multiple brand names such as Asacol®, Pentasa®, Lialda®, and Mezavant®, and generic versions are widely available. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved mesalamine for maintenance therapy of ulcerative colitis in 200, and subsequent extensions have added induction of remission for mild-to-moderate disease. Off-label, clinicians sometimes employ mesalamine in pouchitis or as an adjunct in postoperative maintenance, although these uses lack formal regulatory endorsement. Understanding mesalamine’s mechanism of action, approved uses, dosing options, and safety profile equips patients to discuss treatment goals with their healthcare team and to make informed decisions when they choose to buy mesalamine online through a trusted source.

What is Mesalamine?

Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate that works locally in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce inflammation. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) granted initial approval in Singapore in 200 for the maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, and the United States FDA later approved it for both induction and maintenance of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has similarly authorized mesalamine for ulcerative colitis and for Crohn’s disease limited to the colon.

At the molecular level, mesalamine blocks cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, down-regulating prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. It also interferes with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, leading to decreased cytokine production. These actions dampen the inflammatory cascade that characterizes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Both branded and generic formulations are sold worldwide, and patients in Singapore can obtain them via our online pharmacy, which offers a range of dosage forms to suit individual preferences.

How Mesalamine Works

Mechanism of Action

Mesalamine releases 5-ASA directly onto the colonic mucosa. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase, it reduces prostaglandin-E₂ and leukotriene B₄ formation, key mediators of inflammation. The drug also blocks NF-κB activation, curbing transcription of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α.

Therapeutic Effects

The suppression of prostaglandins and leukotrienes lessens mucosal edema, ulceration, and pain. NF-κB inhibition further stabilizes the epithelial barrier, limiting leukocyte infiltration. Clinically, patients experience fewer bloody stools, reduced abdominal cramping, and improved colonoscopic scores.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials indicate that mesalamine begins to alleviate symptoms within 7-14 days for most patients, though full mucosal healing may take 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy. The drug’s half-life in the colon ranges from 12 to 24 hours, supporting once-daily extended-release formulations that maintain therapeutic concentrations throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Ulcerative colitis - induction of remission for mild-to-moderate disease and maintenance of remission (HSA, FDA, EMA).
Crohn’s disease involving the colon - maintenance therapy where inflammation is limited to the large intestine (EMA).

Off-Label Uses

Mesalamine is occasionally employed for:

Pouchitis after ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis.
Post-operative prophylaxis in ulcerative colitis patients, aiming to prevent recurrence.

These applications are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies, and clinicians use them based on individual patient response and emerging evidence.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that patients receiving mesalamine achieved a 55 % clinical remission rate versus 30 % with placebo after 8 weeks (p < .001). Long-term extension studies reported sustained remission in >70 % of adherent patients over a 2-year period. In the Lancet 2021 meta-analysis of 12 trials, mesalamine reduced the risk of colectomy by 34 % compared with placebo or no treatment.

Buying Mesalamine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who find mesalamine hard to locate in local brick-and-mortar stores. By leveraging established supply chains, we provide secure, discreet access while maintaining competitive pricing.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Asacol® - delayed-release tablets, 400 mg and 800 mg.
Pentasa® - controlled-release granules, 250 mg and 500 mg.
Lialda® - once-daily tablets, 2.4 g.
Mezavant® - mesalamine-filled multimatrix tablets, 1.2 g and 2.4 g.

Our pharmacy service also stocks high-quality generic mesalamine, typically priced 30 % lower than branded counterparts.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by national regulatory authorities.

Pricing & Access

Through our platform, patients benefit from transparent pricing, bulk-order discounts, and a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders. A single 800 mg tablet of generic mesalamine can be purchased for as little as SGD .85, compared with SGD 1.40 for the branded version.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services. Packages are unmarked, containing only a neutral label and a confidentiality statement, ensuring privacy from the moment they leave our warehouse to the doorstep.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Delayed-release tablets (Asacol®) - 400 mg, 800 mg.
Controlled-release granules (Pentasa®) - 250 mg, 500 mg.
Once-daily extended-release tablets (Lialda®, Mezavant®) - 1.2 g, 2.4 g.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, clinicians often start mesalamine at 2.4 g per day, divided into two doses for delayed-release tablets or administered as a single dose for once-daily formulations. Maintenance regimens may be tapered to 1.2 g per day after sustained remission. In Crohn’s disease limited to the colon, a similar 2.4 g daily dose is common. The exact regimen must be individualized by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

With or without food: Delayed-release tablets can be taken with meals to improve tolerability; controlled-release granules should be mixed with water and swallowed without chewing.
Timing: Once-daily tablets are most convenient when taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning.
Swallow whole: Crushing or chewing may alter release characteristics and increase systemic exposure.

A qualified clinician will determine the precise dose, formulation, and schedule based on disease severity, prior response, and co-existing conditions.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Headache (≈ 12 % of patients).
Nausea (≈ 10 %).
Abdominal pain or cramping (≈ 8 %).
Flatulence (≈ 7 %).
Rash or mild skin irritation (≈ 5 %).

These events are typically transient and resolve without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Nephrotoxicity: Rare but may present as increased serum creatinine; monitoring is advised.
Pancreatitis: Very uncommon; patients should seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain.
Hypersensitivity reactions: Including angioedema or Stevens-Johnson syndrome; immediate medical attention required.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to mesalamine or any component of the formulation.
Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) unless closely supervised.

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) have minimal impact, but concurrent NSAIDs may increase nephrotoxic risk.
Anticoagulants (warfarin) - mesalamine can modestly potentiate INR; regular monitoring recommended.
Other 5-ASA agents - additive toxicity is unlikely but unnecessary duplication should be avoided.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B (animal studies show no risk); limited human data suggest safety when benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts detected in milk; clinicians usually consider it compatible.
Older adults: May require dose adjustment for renal function; monitor electrolytes and creatinine.
Hepatic impairment: No dose modification needed for mild disease; severe liver disease warrants caution.

Regardless of the scenario, a healthcare provider must evaluate suitability before initiating therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does mesalamine differ from sulfasalazine? Mesalamine delivers 5-ASA directly to the colon, bypassing the sulfapyridine moiety that causes many sulfasalazine side effects. This results in better tolerability and fewer systemic adverse events.
How long does mesalamine take to work for ulcerative colitis? Patients often notice a reduction in diarrhea and bleeding within 1-2 weeks, but endoscopic healing may require 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy.
What foods should I avoid while taking mesalamine? No specific dietary restrictions are required, but high-fiber meals may increase gastrointestinal discomfort in the initial treatment phase; a low-residue diet can be helpful temporarily.
Can I take mesalamine with my daily multivitamin? Yes, mesalamine does not interfere with common vitamins or minerals. However, iron supplements may increase the risk of constipation, so spacing them apart is advisable.
What should I do if I develop a rash while on mesalamine? A mild rash often resolves on its own, but if it spreads, becomes itchy, or is accompanied by fever, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Is it safe to use mesalamine if I have a history of kidney stones? Mesalamine itself is not directly linked to stone formation, but its rare nephrotoxic potential warrants periodic renal function tests, especially in patients with pre-existing renal concerns.
Does taking mesalamine with food affect its absorption? Delayed-release tablets can be taken with meals without compromising efficacy; controlled-release granules should be swallowed with a full glass of water, and food does not significantly alter drug release.
Can I switch between brand-name and generic mesalamine? Bioequivalence studies show that approved generics deliver comparable colonic concentrations. Nonetheless, any switch should be discussed with a clinician to monitor symptom stability.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing mesalamine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of kidney or liver disease, and recent lab results if available.
- Specific symptoms (frequency of bowel movements, presence of blood, pain level).
- Prior response to any 5-ASA or sulfasalazine treatments.

Disclaimer

The information provided about mesalamine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing mesalamine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing mesalamine.