Mesalazine
One product on this shelf contains mesalazine: Asacol 400 mg tablets, an anti-inflammatory medicine that works directly on the bowel lining to treat Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
Key points
- The active ingredient is also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and its effect is thought to be local to the bowel lining rather than spread through the body.
- About 3% of patients in controlled studies developed an acute intolerance syndrome with abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea and fever, symptoms that can be hard to tell apart from a disease flare.
- Do not take mesalazine if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, or if you have severe kidney or liver problems.
How does Mesalazine work?
The exact way mesalazine reduces inflammation is not fully understood. It is thought to block the chemical signals that drive swelling in the bowel wall, and to calm the immune cells that gather at the site of active disease.
What matters most for someone taking it is where the medicine acts. The 400 mg tablet is designed for delayed release, so it passes through the stomach intact and delivers mesalazine to the inflamed bowel lining. Only about 28% of the dose is absorbed into the bloodstream, which is why the effect stays largely local. This makes mesalazine a useful option in Digestive Health for managing inflammatory bowel conditions.
Further reading
What is mesalazine used for?
Mesalazine is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
How long does mesalazine take to work?
Mesalazine may take about 1 to 2 weeks to start working.
What are the side effects of mesalazine?
Headache, nausea and flatulence are common side effects. More serious effects such as acute pancreatitis or interstitial nephritis need immediate medical attention, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can mesalazine be taken with other medicines?
Mesalazine can interact with azathioprine, NSAIDs and antacids. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it with other medicines.
Who should not take mesalazine?
Do not take mesalazine if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, or if you have severe kidney or liver problems.
Which mesalazine products does Direct Meds sell?
On Direct Meds, mesalazine comes as Asacol. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does mesalazine cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for mesalazine in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order mesalazine. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver mesalazine to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →