Dosage forms of Mesalazine
Mesalazine in the form of suppositories is used especially when the inflammation affects the late sections of the intestine, i.e. rectum and rectum. The suppositories, as suppositories are also called, are usually inserted rectally three times a day, in acute treatment suppositories with 500mg active substance, in prophylaxis 250mg. Mesalazine suppositories are mainly used for ulcerative colitis, but may also be indicated for Crohn’s disease.
Granules are a granular to powdery dosage form of the active substance mesalazine. One dose corresponds to one sachet of granules; in acute cases, three sachets are taken daily. The granules are placed on the tongue and swallowed whole with plenty of liquid.
Mesalazine tablets are resistant to gastric juice, which means that they reach the place where they are supposed to take effect undigested. Mesalazine in tablet form is suitable for inflammation of the intestinal tract, unlike suppositories and rectal foam also in earlier stages. In ulcerative colitis, which mainly affects the rectum and rectum, mesalazine is also used in the form of rectal foam.
The dosage is usually two sprays a day before bedtime.The spray can is equipped with an applicator tube that is inserted anally. By pressing the pump head, the spray pulses are administered one after the other. The tube is disposed of after the foam has been administered. After application of the rectal foam, the bowel should not be emptied until the next morning if possible.
Side effect of Mesalazine
As with any drug, side effects can occur during therapy with mesalazine. Side effects associated with taking Mesalazine tablets include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, nausea or vomiting. However, these can also be symptoms of the underlying disease.
Other known side effects are headaches or dizziness, more rarely sensory disturbances. Kidney dysfunction and renal insufficiency occasionally occur during treatment. Under the therapy there may be a change in blood values and blood count (decrease in white and red blood cells, blood platelets).
Some patients have intolerances and hypersensitivities to salicylic acid and its derivatives, which can be accompanied by severe side effects. Mesalazine should not be taken if such intolerance exists. Rectal applications, such as suppositories, enemas or rectal foam, may cause discomfort at the anus or place of administration.
and medications for flatulenceBelly pain are among the most common side effects of therapy with mesalazine. These complaints cannot be clearly distinguished from symptoms of the underlying disease, which suggests that the therapy is inadequate. Patients should inform their attending physician of any side effects that occur.
Particularly severe pain in the abdomen can also be an expression of acute pancreatitis, which is a very rare but serious side effect of mesalazine. Hair loss is one of the possible side effects of Mesalazine, which can affect less than one in 10,000 people treated (very rare). Both partial and complete hair loss have been reported.
Hair loss can also be an expression of the underlying disease, as inflammatory bowel disease may also result in reduced absorption of minerals or nutrients. An intolerance to salicylic acid and its derivatives, including mesalazine, is considered an absolute contraindication for taking it. Symptoms include itching and hives, i.e. the appearance of skin symptoms with redness and wheals. Fever, breathing problems or inflammation of the pericardium and heart muscle can also occur.
