Mesalamine

Brand Names: Mesalamine

Drug Class: Aminosalicylate

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Each mesalamine delayed-release tablet, USP for oral administration contains 800 mg of mesalamine, USP, an aminosalicylate. Mesalamine delayed-release tablets, USP have an outer protective coat consisting of a combination of acrylic based resins, methacrylic acid copolymer type A and methacrylic acid copolymer type B.

Mechanism of Action

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of mesalamine is not fully understood, but appears to be a topical anti-inflammatory effect on colonic epithelial cells. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways, that is, prostanoids, and through the lipoxygenase pathways, that is, leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis, and it is possible that mesalamine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon. 12.

Indications

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mesalamine delayed-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults. Limitations of Use : Safety and effectiveness of mesalamine delayed-release tablets beyond 6 weeks have not been established. Mesalamine delayed-release tablets are an aminosalicylate indicated for the treatment of moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults. (1) Limitation of Use : Safety and effectiveness of mesalamine delayed-release tablets beyond 6 weeks have not been established (1)

Common Doses

  • 800 mg
  • 400 mg
  • 600 mg

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Administration Instructions : Do not substitute one mesalamine delayed-release tablets 800 mg tablet for two mesalamine delayed-release 400 mg oral products. (2.1) Evaluate renal function prior to initiation of mesalamine delayed-release tablets. (2.1, 5.1) Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after a meal. (2.1) Swallow whole; do not cut, break or chew the tablets. (2.1) Drink an adequate amount of fluids. (2.1, 5.

Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Mesalamine delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the ingredients of mesalamine delayed-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) , and Description (11) ] . Known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the ingredients of mesalamine delayed-release tablets (4, 5.3)

Side Effects

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious or clinically significant adverse reactions described elsewhere in labeling are: Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hepatic Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Nephrolithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.

Interactions

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Nephrotoxic Agents including NSAIDs : Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; monitor for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. (7.1) Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine : Increased risk of blood disorders; monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts. (7.2) 7.1 Nephrotoxic Agents, Including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs The concurrent use of mesalamine with known nephrotoxic agents, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.