Rowasa (Mesalamine Rectal Suspension Enema) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Rowasa

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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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ROWASA®
(mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema 4.0 grams/unit (60 mL)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient in ROWASA® (mesalamine) Rectal Suspension Enema, a disposable (60 mL) unit, is mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Chemically, mesalamine is 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

The empirical formula is C₇H₇N0₃, representing a molecular weight of 153.14. The structural formula is:

ROWASA (mesalamine) structural formula illustration

Each rectal suspension enema unit contains 4 grams of mesalamine. In addition to mesalamine the preparation contains the inactive ingredients carbomer934P, edetate disodium, potassium acetate, potassium metabisulfite, purified water and xanthan gum. Sodium benzoate is added as a preservative. The disposable unit consists of an applicator tip protected by a polyethylene cover and lubricated with USP white petrolatum. The unit has a one-way valve to prevent back flow of the dispensed product.

What are the possible side effects of mesalamine rectal (Canasa, Canasa Pac, Rowasa)?

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 rectal and call your doctor at once if you have 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 flu symptoms;
rectal pain, constipation;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Rowasa »

What are the precautions when taking mesalamine rectal suspension enema (Rowasa)?

Before using 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 (such as sulfites), 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: asthma, kidney problems, pancreas problems (pancreatitis), inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis).

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

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.