💊 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (Mesalazine / Mesalaine) Retention Enema – As Licensed
📄 Description:
5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA), also known as Mesalazine or Mesalamine, is a locally acting anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. The retention enema formulation allows targeted delivery to the rectum and distal colon, helping reduce mucosal inflammation in those areas.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Indicated for:
- Mild-to-moderate distal ulcerative colitis
- Proctosigmoiditis
- Left-sided colitis
Typical adult dosage:
- One enema (2 g to 4 g of mesalazine) rectally once daily, usually at bedtime
- Retain for at least 8 hours or overnight
🔬 Nature:
- Form: Rectal enema solution
- Strength: Commonly available in 60 mL to 100 mL bottles containing 2 g or 4 g of Mesalazine
- Route: Rectal
- Class: Aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory
🌟 Advantages:
- Direct local treatment of inflamed mucosa
- Rapid symptom control in distal colitis
- Lower systemic absorption compared to oral tablets
- Useful in patients who do not tolerate oral mesalazine
📦 Common Packaging:
- Single-dose plastic bottles or enema applicators with prefilled solution
- Often includes a disposable nozzle for easy administration
- Pack sizes: 5 or 7 enemas per carton
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Do not freeze
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from sunlight
- Shake gently before use if specified
⚠️ Precautions:
- Avoid use in:
- Hypersensitivity to salicylates or mesalazine
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- Use cautiously in:
- History of blood disorders
- Patients on nephrotoxic drugs
- Monitor renal function during long-term use
Possible side effects:
- Local irritation, cramping, urgency
- Rash or headache
- Rare: nephritis, hepatotoxicity, blood dyscrasias
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Administer enema at bedtime, ideally after bowel movement
- Lie on the left side during administration
- Retain enema as long as possible (preferably overnight)
- Use full course even if symptoms improve
- Do not use orally
- Inform your doctor if any blood, fever, or worsening symptoms occur