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5-Aminosalicylic Acid·Gastrointestinal - IBD & Antidiarrhoeals
Induction and maintenance of remission in Ulcerative Colitis
Max Dose
4.8 g/day
Half-life
1-2 h
Nephrotoxic
MONITOR eGFR
Site specific
pH RELEASE
Overview
Locally acting 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). The cornerstone maintenance therapy for Ulcerative Colitis. Dampens mucosal inflammation directly.
Maximum Dose
Max 4.8 g/day (during acute flares).
Clinical Focus
Different brands release the drug at different pH levels in the gut. They are NOT interchangeable.
Bottom Line
Mesalazine is the cornerstone maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis, but requires regular renal function monitoring and comes in multiple formulations with different release sites.
Brand Names
Pentasa (releases in small bowel + colon), Salofalk (releases in colon), Mezavant (releases in colon).
Oral Routes
Tablets/Granules (500 mg, 1 g, 1.2 g). Do NOT crush enteric-coated tablets.
Parenteral
Suppositories (1 g) and Enemas for PR administration.
Prescribing & PBS
Authority Required (PBS).
Primary
Induction and maintenance of remission in Ulcerative Colitis. Mild Crohn's disease.
Clinical Place
First-line baseline therapy for UC. Highly effective topically.