Brand Name
Asacol
Common Name
5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine)
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 01997580 | ASACOL 400MG TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) |
| 02267217 | ASACOL 800MG TABLET DR |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
5-aminosalicylic acid, or mesalamine, belongs to the group of medications known as anti-inflammatories. It is used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. 5-aminosalicylic acid (or 5-ASA) acts by reducing inflammation in the bowel.
Different brands of 5-ASA are designed to act on different places in the gastrointestinal tract (the "digestion tube" that runs from the mouth to the anus). Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum only, while Crohn's disease affects the whole gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, some brands are used to treat only ulcerative colitis, while others can be used to treat both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Tablet: The recommended adult dose of tablets ranges depending on the product selected. Swallow the tablets whole, ensuring that you do not break the outer coating. Take the tablets only as prescribed. Do not change the number or frequency of tablets ingested without first consulting your doctor.
Suppository, rectal suspension, and enema: The usual dose for suppositories, rectal suspension, and enema is 1 g to 4 g daily divided into 1 or 2 doses, or as prescribed by the doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under, "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
400 mg
Each brown-red, capsule-shaped, enteric-coated tablet, printed in black ink with "ASACOL NE", contains 5-ASA (mesalamine) 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, dibutyl phthalate, edible black ink, (ammonium hydroxide, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze [modified] in SD-45 and synthetic black iron oxide), Eudragit S (methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (USP)), iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc.
800 mg
Each red-brown, capsule shaped, enteric coated tablet printed in black ink with "ASACOL 800" contains 5-ASA (mesalamine) 800 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, dibutyl phthalate, edible black ink (ammonium hydroxide, n-butyl alcohol, shellac glaze [modified] in SD-45, propylene glycol, synthetic black iron oxide), iron oxide red, iron oxide, yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, Eudragit-L (methacrylic acid copolymer Type A (USP)), Eudragit-S (methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (USP)), polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
5-aminosalicylic acid should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to 5-aminosalicylic acid, other salicylates (e.g., ASA), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is not able to swallow tablets whole
- is under 2 years of age
- has a gastric (stomach) or duodenal (intestinal) ulcer
- has a urinary tract obstruction
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