Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: MESALAMINE - TABLET (mess-AL-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Asacol
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon or rectum. It is often used to treat ulcerative colitis.
HOW TO USE: Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. It is important for the outer coating of the tablet to remain intact for the medication to reach the lower intestines. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of this medication to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, indigestion, bloating, gas, belching or minor stomach ache may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Constipation, diarrhea, weakness, hemorrhoids, cough, dry mouth, hair loss, acne, general body aches, swelling of the feet or ankles (edema) or sweating may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, rectal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Crohn's Disease - Learn about Crohn's Disease and the causes, symptoms (including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, rectal bleeding, and more) and treatment of this chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines.
- sulfasalazine, Azulfidine - Information on the medication sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), a drug used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
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