Colasa-500

Indications

Mesalazine (also called mesalamine) is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, a long term inflammation of the large bowel, and to keep it in remission (prevent flare ups). It may also be used in some cases of Crohn's disease affecting the bowel. It comes as delayed or prolonged release tablets, granules or sachets, suppositories and enemas.

How It Works

Mesalazine is an aminosalicylate, a relative of aspirin that works mainly on the inside lining of the bowel. It reduces the production of inflammatory substances there, which calms swelling, bleeding and diarrhoea. The special tablets and granules are designed to release the medicine in the lower bowel where it is needed.

Dosage and Administration

The dose depends on the product and on whether the disease is active or in remission. For active ulcerative colitis, adults usually take 2.4 g to 4.8 g a day by mouth in divided doses or once daily; for maintenance, about 1.2 g to 2.4 g a day is common. Follow your doctor's prescription. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew them. Granules should be placed on the tongue and swallowed with water without chewing. Suppositories and enemas are used as directed, usually at bedtime.

Interactions

• Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine: the risk of low blood counts may be higher.
• Warfarin: its effect may be reduced; INR should be checked.
• Other medicines that can affect the kidneys, such as NSAIDs, may increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Lactulose or other medicines that make stools more acidic may reduce release from some tablets.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Mesalazine, salicylates (such as aspirin) or any ingredient.
• Severe kidney or liver disease.
• Children under 2 years of age.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, wind and skin rash. Rarely it can cause inflammation of the kidneys, pancreas, heart muscle or lungs, blood disorders, or kidney stones. Some people have a reaction that looks like a flare of colitis, with cramps, bloody diarrhoea and fever.

Get urgent medical help if you have unexplained bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers, severe stomach pain, chest pain or breathlessness, a severe skin rash with blistering, or a sudden worsening of bloody diarrhoea with fever after starting treatment.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Mesalazine is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy when needed to control the disease, as uncontrolled colitis is also a risk; use only on a doctor's advice. Small amounts pass into breast milk. It is usually compatible with breastfeeding, but watch the baby for diarrhoea and tell your doctor if it occurs.

Precautions and Warnings

• Kidney function and blood counts should be checked before starting and regularly during treatment.
• Drink enough fluids to lower the risk of kidney stones.
• Tell your doctor if you have had a reaction to Sulfasalazine, asthma, heart inflammation or lung disease.
• Some tablets may appear whole in the stool; tell your doctor if this happens often.

Overdose

Large overdoses may cause symptoms of salicylate poisoning, such as ringing in the ears, fast breathing, vomiting, confusion and dehydration. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Intestinal anti inflammatory medicine; aminosalicylate.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.