Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis Treatment

What Mesalamine Is and How It Works

Mesalamine is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5‑ASA) medicine used for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and for maintenance of remission. It comes as delayed‑ or extended‑release oral tablets/capsules and as rectal enemas or suppositories. Many patients compare Mesalamine buy online options and review Mesalamine cost without insurance to plan ongoing therapy. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

We also work with vetted, licensed partner pharmacies abroad to supply authentic brand medicines, a broad selection, and affordable pricing.

Mesalamine acts mainly in the gut lumen and on the intestinal mucosa. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which lowers prostaglandin and leukotriene production. This local action helps calm rectal bleeding, urgency, and diarrhea in ulcerative colitis. Rectal forms deliver high concentrations to the distal colon and rectum, while oral delayed‑release forms target the small bowel and colon depending on their coating.

Typical indications include induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Some clinicians also use mesalamine for select cases of Crohn’s colitis, but its benefits are clearest in ulcerative colitis.

Dosage and Usage

• Induction (oral): Common adult total daily doses range from 2.4 g to 4.8 g, depending on the product, given once daily or in divided doses.
• Maintenance (oral): Typical total daily doses range from 1.6 g to 2.4 g.
• Strengths: Delayed‑release tablets/capsules often come as 400 mg, 800 mg, or 1.2 g units. Do not crush or chew delayed‑ or extended‑release forms.
• Rectal suppositories: Often 1 g inserted at bedtime for 3–6 weeks for proctitis; some regimens continue on a reduced schedule for maintenance.
• Rectal enemas: Often 4 g/60 mL nightly for left‑sided disease for 3–6 weeks; maintenance can be a reduced frequency as directed.
• With food: Some products can be taken with or without food; follow the product’s instructions.
• Tablets: Swallow whole with liquid. Avoid splitting unless the specific product allows it.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up.

• Storage: Store most oral products at 20–25°C (68–77°F), protected from moisture. Keep in the original container.
• Rectal products: Store at room temperature unless the label states otherwise. Suppositories may be refrigerated to keep firm; do not freeze.
• Travel: Keep medication in your carry‑on. Bring your prescription label and a small buffer supply.
• Heat and cold: Do not leave medicines in a hot car or in freezing conditions. Keep enemas from freezing.
• Organization: Use a weekly organizer or phone reminder to help maintain a steady schedule.

Benefits and Savings

Mesalamine helps reduce rectal bleeding, urgency, and stool frequency. Many patients achieve and maintain remission, which lowers flare frequency and improves quality of life. Rectal forms can target distal disease with fewer systemic effects. Once‑daily oral options can improve adherence for some people.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can reduce costs by 60–80% compared with typical US prices. This often means a lower Mesalamine price for those who pay cash, and many find Mesalamine without insurance is still affordable through cross‑border sourcing. Multi‑month supplies and bulk promotions can reduce per‑month cost.

Mesalamine coupon information is posted on our promotions page when available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhea or gas
• Dyspepsia
• Rash or itching
• Fatigue
• Rectal discomfort (with enemas or suppositories)

Serious but uncommon risks include mesalamine intolerance syndrome (worsening diarrhea, cramping, fever), interstitial nephritis or other renal impairment, pancreatitis, myocarditis or pericarditis, hepatic dysfunction, blood dyscrasias, and severe cutaneous reactions. People with salicylate allergy should avoid mesalamine. Kidney function is often monitored, especially with long‑term use or pre‑existing renal disease.

Onset Time

Symptom relief from rectal mesalamine may begin within several days, with clearer improvement over 1–2 weeks. Oral therapy often shows benefit within 2–4 weeks as dosing stabilizes. Mucosal healing can take 6–8 weeks or longer, and maintenance therapy helps sustain remission and reduce flare frequency.

Compare With Alternatives

Sulfasalazine delivers mesalamine linked to sulfapyridine. It can be effective, but sulfapyridine often causes intolerance (nausea, headache) and requires folate supplementation. Pure mesalamine avoids the sulfapyridine moiety and is usually better tolerated.

Budesonide MMX and short courses of systemic corticosteroids can induce remission during flares but are not ideal for long‑term maintenance due to steroid adverse effects. Mesalamine is steroid‑sparing and designed for ongoing control of mild to moderate disease.

Brand formulations can differ in coatings and delivery sites. Some patients may respond better to a specific brand. If a branded option is needed, consider Salofalk®. For distal disease, rectal options like Pentasa® Suppositories may be considered when proctitis symptoms predominate.

Combination Therapy

• Oral plus rectal mesalamine for proctosigmoiditis or distal flares.
• Short‑term corticosteroids for induction in moderate flares, then taper while continuing mesalamine.
• With immunomodulators or biologics in moderate to severe disease, under specialist care.
• Topical corticosteroid foam or enemas if rectal mesalamine alone is insufficient.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Mesalamine is suited to many adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, proctitis, or proctosigmoiditis. It may be used in maintenance to lower the risk of relapse. People with salicylate hypersensitivity, severe renal impairment, or prior mesalamine‑induced myocarditis, pancreatitis, or severe rash should not use it. Swallowing issues, pill burden, and coating differences may influence product selection.

Discuss use in pregnancy or breastfeeding with a healthcare professional. Report new chest pain, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or marked fatigue promptly. Lab monitoring may include renal function at baseline and periodically during long‑term therapy.

To manage costs, compare strengths such as Mesalamine 400 mg tablets, 800 mg, or 1.2 g once‑daily options to find a suitable regimen and pack size. A 90‑day supply can lower the monthly Mesalamine price, and reorder reminders help avoid lapses. Patients paying cash often review Mesalamine cost uninsured across pharmacies to plan budgets.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Mesalamine entries

Lialda (mesalamine) official product site

Canasa (mesalamine) suppositories manufacturer site

Order Mesalamine from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.