Mesalamine
Mesalamine is an intestinal anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, primarily ulcerative colitis, by exerting a topical anti-inflammatory effect directly on the intestines.
Mesalamine is a locally-acting anti-inflammatory medication used to treat ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07EC02
- RxNorm
- 52582
- Generic
- Mesalamine
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Delzicol, Canasa, Pentasa, Rowasa, Lialda, Apriso
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue therapy if needed for disease control
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
nursingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding but monitor infant
monitor infant for diarrhea or other GI symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
approved for pediatric use in ulcerative colitis
monitor growth and development
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment but monitor renal function
use standard dosing with caution
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose in severe impairment
use with caution in renal impairment
monitor renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, and management of inflammatory bowel diseases affecting the colon. May also be used for Crohn's disease involving the colon.
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but mesalamine appears to exert a topical anti-inflammatory effect directly on colonic epithelial cells, reducing mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites including prostanoids through the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Available in multiple formulations (oral tablets, rectal suppositories, enemas) for targeted delivery to different parts of the colon. May cause headache, GI upset, or rarely, renal impairment. Blood tests for kidney function may be recommended during long-term use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy