What is Pentasa (Mesalazine) used for?

Pentasa (Mesalazine) is an oral medication prescribed to treat patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. It operates by blocking the actions of enzymes in the body that cause the inflammation, irritation, and pain associated with this condition. This can prevent symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, anaemia, or tissue damage. Your doctor may also prescribe this medication for the treatment of other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Pentasa (Mesalazine)?

Follow your doctor`s instructions while using Pentasa (Mesalazine) to ensure the safest and most effective results from treatment. Most patients are prescribed one tablet to be taken four times each day, but your individual directions will be based on your age, weight, health condition, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a full glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach, although a snack or meal is recommended before use if you experience nausea. Do not crush or split the tablets before use as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents. Ask your doctor any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Pentasa (Mesalazine)?

The use of Pentasa (Mesalazine) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Bloating or gassiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Upset stomach, diarrhoea, or constipation
• Temporary hair loss

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are inflammation around the heart, muscle or joint pain, hepatitis, pancreatitis, lung problems, or kidney failure. Inform your doctor as soon as you experience any intense or worrying symptoms to make sure the correct alterations are made to your application frequency or dosage to stop further health complications from occurring.

Please Note

Pentasa (Mesalazine) should not be administered to patients who are children under the age of fifteen, allergic to salicylates, who have had a bad reaction to similar treatments in the past, or who have blood disorders, severely decreased kidney function, or severely decreased liver function. Also inform your doctor if you have asthma, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function as these conditions may cause unexpected health problems requiring special alterations to your treatment.

Strictly use Pentasa (Mesalazine) as prescribed and follow all instructions provided by your doctor. Safe, suitable, and optimum dosage can vary and is dependent on the patient`s health and medical history, as well as the condition you are treating.

Pentasa (Mesalazine) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.