Mesalazine (5-ASA)

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology · Aminosalicylate

Mesalazine (5-ASA)

Dose

2.4–4.8 g/day PO in active UC; 2–2.4 g/day maintenance. Add topical 1 g PR for distal disease.

Use

Induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.

Monitoring

Renal function at 3 months then annually, FBC, faecal calprotectin.

Side effects

  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Interstitial nephritis (rare)
  • Pancreatitis

Related in WardRound

Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.

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