Manufacturer: Sun Pharma
Pharmaceutical name: Mesalamine
Pack: 10 pills (400 mg)
Mesacol is a medication utilized for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. While the precise method by which Mesalamine operates is not fully understood, it is thought to work by decreasing inflammation in the colon. Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions lead to an overproduction of certain chemicals, such as prostaglandins, which contribute to colon inflammation. Prostaglandins are produced by the enzymes cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which are highly active in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Mesacol may function by inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, thus lowering the production of prostaglandins. This reduction in prostaglandins subsequently diminishes inflammation within the colon and alleviates the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. Various formulations of Mesalamine differ in terms of their method of administration and frequency of use.
Mesacol is indicated for the management of mild to moderately severe ulcerative colitis. Suppositories are designated for use in cases of proctitis, which affects only the rectum, while enemas are intended for distal colitis or proctitis, which involves only the sections of the colon near the rectum. Although the effects of Mesalamine can be observed within 3 to 21 days of initiating treatment, it may take up to three to six weeks for enemas and suppositories to show peak effectiveness, six weeks for tablets, and eight weeks for capsules.
Mesacol preparations are known to present several potential drug interactions. The simultaneous use of Mesacol with medications impacting kidney function, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or ibuprofen, may heighten the risk of impaired kidney function. Additionally, using Mesacol alongside 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine may increase the chance of blood cell disorders, particularly low cell counts. There may also be an enhancement of warfarin's blood-thinning effects when taken with Mesacol.
The most frequently reported side effects of Mesacol include headache and flatulence, while hair loss and itching may also occur. Less common side effects comprise increased heart rate, acne, pancreatitis, back pain, fatigue, tremors, ear pain, and blood disorders. There have been associations with kidney dysfunction linked to Mesacol, hence it is recommended to evaluate kidney function before and periodically during mesalamine therapy.
Mesacol may induce an acute intolerance syndrome that mimics a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms such as fever, headache, itching, and rash may also present. Typically, these symptoms resolve after discontinuing mesalamine.
Mesacol contains sulfites and should be avoided by individuals with sensitivities to sulfites. Additionally, due to its structural relationship to aspirin, those allergic to aspirin should refrain from using Mesacol.