Asacol (Mesalamine)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Asacol has been approved for use in treatment of ulcertative colitis. The effect appears to be local (on the colon surface) where it acts to interfere with the cyclooxygenase system. The cyclooxygenase system is believed to be partially responsible for the inflammatory process in the large intestine which leads to sever diarrhea.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are: headache (36%), abdominal pain (18%), nausea (13%), sore throat (11%), and dizziness (8%). Occasionally, (3%) Asacol has been reported to make the symptoms of ulcerative colitis worse in which case the drug would be stopped.
Drug Interactions
None are known.
Cautions and Contraindications
Asacol should not be used in individuals with an allergy to aspirin.
Usual Dose
Treatment of active disease: The usual dose is 2-400 mg tablets three times daily. Maintenance: 1.6 GM/day in divided doses (4-400 mg tablets daily).
Note
The coating on Asacol tablets is designed to release the medication in the lower gastrointestinal tract - in an occasional patient with rapid intestinal transit time the tablets may appear in the stool undissolved (intact) - should this occur please contact your physician.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.