💊 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (Mesalazine) Suppository 500 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), also known as Mesalazine / Mesalamine, in suppository form is used for local treatment of distal ulcerative colitis, especially proctitis and proctosigmoiditis. It delivers the active drug directly to the rectal mucosa, reducing inflammation.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Indicated for:
- Mild-to-moderate ulcerative proctitis
- Distal ulcerative colitis
- Proctosigmoiditis
Typical adult dosage:
- One suppository (500 mg) inserted rectally once or twice daily, or as prescribed.
- Some regimens use up to 3 suppositories per day in divided doses.
🔬 Nature:
- Form: Rectal suppository
- Strength: 500 mg
- Route: Rectal
- Class: Anti-inflammatory (Aminosalicylate)
🌟 Advantages:
- Local action at the site of inflammation (rectum and lower colon)
- Rapid symptom relief
- Reduced systemic side effects
- Ideal for patients with isolated rectal involvement
📦 Common Packaging:
- Each suppository is usually individually packed in a foil or plastic shell
- Available in packs of 5 or 10 suppositories in a carton
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Protect from heat and direct sunlight
- Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not suitable for:
- Patients allergic to salicylates or mesalazine
- Those with rectal irritation, bleeding or active infections
- Caution in:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Regular monitoring may be needed for long-term use
Possible side effects:
- Local irritation or rectal discomfort
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Rare: blood disorders, pancreatitis, nephritis
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Insert suppository after bowel movement, preferably at bedtime
- Wash hands before and after use
- Lie down for 15–30 minutes after insertion to retain the suppository
- Do not swallow the suppository
- Contact doctor if you notice rectal bleeding, fever, or unusual symptoms
- Stay compliant with full treatment even if symptoms improve early