Pentasa (Mesalamine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Pentasa

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) »

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are known as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The precise cause of IBD remains unknown. These diseases are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and non-genetic, or environmental factors (for example, infections) that interact with the body's immune (defense) system. When the intestinal immune system does not function properly, many white blood cells accumulate in the inner lining (mucosa) of the gut. The white cells then release chemicals that lead to tissue injury (inflammation). This inflammation of the mucosa can cause diarrhea, which is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with or without the intestinal complications.

What are the intestinal complications of IBD?

The intestinal complications of IBD occur when the intestinal inflammation is severe, extends beyond the inner lining (m...

Read the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) article »

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PENTASA®
(mesalamine) Controlled-Release Capsules 250 mg and 500 mg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PENTASA (mesalamine) for oral administration is a controlled-release formulation of mesalamine, an amino-salicylate anti-inflammatory agent for gastrointestinal use. Chemically, mesalamine is 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid. It has a molecular weight of 153.14.

The structural formula is:

PENTASA (mesalamine) structural formula illustration

Each 250 mg capsule contains 250 mg of mesalamine. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: acetylated monoglyceride, castor oil, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, stearic acid, sugar, talc, and white wax. The capsule shell contains D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Green #3, gelatin, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

Each 500 mg capsule contains 500 mg of mesalamine. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: acetylated monoglyceride, castor oil, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, stearic acid, sugar, talc, and white wax. The capsule shell contains FD&C Blue #1, gelatin, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of mesalamine oral (Apriso, Asacol, Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mesalamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas;
fever, sore throat, or other...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Pentasa »

What are the precautions when taking mesalamine (Pentasa)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other medications that are broken down into mesalamine (such as sulfasalazine, olsalazine); or to other salicylates (such as aspirin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, pancreas problems (pancreatitis), inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis).

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach...

Read All Potential Precautions of Pentasa »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/27/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.