Asacol (Mesalamine Delayed-Release Tablets) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 25, 2012

Asacol

Ulcerative Colitis »

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease. Together, they are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are chronic conditions that can last years to decades. They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people In the United States. Men and women are affected equally. They most commonly begin during adolescence and early adulthood, but they also can begin during childhood and later in life.

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Read the Ulcerative Colitis article »

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Asacol

Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow Pictures

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Slideshow

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Asacol®
(mesalamine) Delayed-Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Each Asacol delayed-release tablet for oral administration contains 400 mg of mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory drug. The Asacol (mesalamine delayed-release tablets) delayed-release tablets are coated with acrylic based resin, Eudragit S (methacrylic acid copolymer B, NF), which dissolves at pH 7 or greater, releasing mesalamine in the terminal ileum and beyond for topical anti-inflammatory action in the colon. Mesalamine has the chemical name 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid; its structural formula is:

Asacol®
(mesalamine) Structural Formula Illustration

Molecular Weight: 153.1
Molecular Formula: C₇H₇NO₃

Inactive Ingredients: Each tablet contains colloidal silicon dioxide, dibutyl phthalate, edible black ink, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer B (Eudragit S), polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/17/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.