Pentasa Enema® for Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis

What Pentasa® Is and How It Works

Pentasa Enema delivers mesalamine (5‑aminosalicylic acid) directly to the rectum and distal colon. It is used for mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis and proctosigmoiditis, and to help maintain remission in these areas. The rectal route provides high local concentrations while limiting systemic exposure. If seeking Pentasa Enema without insurance, many patients compare prices to plan their monthly budget.

Mesalamine reduces inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which lowers prostaglandin and leukotriene production. The enema suspension coats the mucosa, supporting symptom control such as rectal bleeding, urgency, and cramping. Common strengths include 1 g/100 mL and 4 g/60 mL. Course length varies based on response and prescriber guidance.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to supply authentic brand medicines at fair prices and a broad selection.

Formulations differ from foam preparations; a pentasa foam enema may be suggested when a lower volume is required, but the active ingredient is the same. Patients often start with nightly use, then step down as symptoms settle. Always follow the regimen prescribed for the specific disease location and severity.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: Many regimens begin with a mesalamine enema at bedtime for several weeks. Dose strength (for example, pentasa 1g enema or pentasa enema 4g) depends on the condition and prescriber direction.
• Administration: Shake the bottle well. Warm to room temperature. Lie on the left side with the right knee bent. Gently insert the applicator, then steadily squeeze the bottle to instill the full volume.
• Retention: Remaining lying still for several minutes helps retention. Retain the enema as long as possible, ideally overnight, unless told otherwise.
• Course adjustments: Frequency may reduce after improvement. Some use every other night for maintenance. Follow the plan set by the healthcare professional.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, administer when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the volume.
• Limits: For rectal use only. Do not ingest. Do not use if the bottle is leaking, discolored, or past expiry.
• How to use: Educational directions above are general; for pentasa enema how to use specifics, defer to the product insert and prescriber.

• Storage: Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F). Protect from freezing. Keep in the original carton to limit light exposure.
• Travel: Keep upright and in a sealed bag to prevent leaks. Do not leave in a hot car. Avoid temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or below freezing.
• Handling: Do not puncture or cut the bottle. Dispose of used bottles safely, away from children and pets.
• Flights: Pack in carry-on with the prescription label. Security screening allows medications; keep them accessible for inspection.
• Home storage: Keep out of reach of children. Store away from sinks and direct heat sources.

Benefits and Savings

Pentasa Enema targets inflammation at the site of disease, which helps reduce rectal bleeding, stool frequency, and urgency. Local delivery can improve tolerability compared to higher oral doses. Many patients appreciate once‑daily dosing at bedtime during induction.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can lower the pentasa enema price. Typical savings range from 60–80% versus common US retail prices. Patients managing pentasa enema cost without insurance often choose multi‑month supplies to decrease the per‑month expense. Reorder reminders can help maintain continuity of therapy.

We also list periodic promotions. To check current offers, see our pentasa enema coupon page for any available deal.

Bulk promotions and longer fills may reduce overall shipping fees and the pentasa enema cash price per month. Ordering both active treatment and maintenance supply together may further improve value.

Side Effects and Safety

• Rectal discomfort or irritation
• Cramping, gas, or bloating
• Urgency to defecate shortly after dosing
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Headache or dizziness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Application‑site leakage or soiling
• Rash or itching

Serious but less common risks include mesalamine intolerance syndrome (worsening cramps, fever, rash), kidney effects (interstitial nephritis), liver enzyme changes, pancreatitis, blood dyscrasias, myocarditis/pericarditis, and severe allergic reactions. Avoid use with known salicylate hypersensitivity. Renal function monitoring is often advised, especially with long‑term use or pre‑existing kidney disease. Interactions may occur with azathioprine or 6‑mercaptopurine; clinicians may monitor blood counts more closely.

Onset Time

Symptom relief can begin within 3–7 days for many patients. Rectal bleeding and urgency often improve first. Mucosal healing and full response may take 2–6 weeks as dosing stabilizes. If no improvement is seen after several weeks, prescribers may adjust dose strength, frequency, or consider alternative approaches.

Compare With Alternatives

Mesalamine suppositories address disease limited to the rectum. They are low volume and convenient for proctitis. When disease extends into the sigmoid colon, enemas offer better reach. Some patients rotate both forms. If rectal coverage only is needed, consider Pentasa® Suppositories.

Other mesalamine brands provide similar topical anti‑inflammatory effects. A common alternative is Salofalk®, available as enemas and suppositories in various strengths. Choice depends on availability, preferred volume, and individual response.

Short courses of topical corticosteroid enemas or foams may be used during flares when mesalamine alone is not enough. These can reduce inflammation quickly, then be tapered as control returns.

Combination Therapy

• Oral mesalamine plus rectal mesalamine to cover both proximal and distal disease.
• Rectal mesalamine with a short course of corticosteroid foam for faster flare relief.
• Rectal mesalamine alongside immunomodulators or biologics for moderate to severe disease, directed by a specialist.
• When combining mesalamine with thiopurines, clinicians may monitor labs to manage additive risks.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Pentasa Enema is intended for adults and some adolescents with mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis. It is not for Crohn’s disease outside the rectum and sigmoid colon. Patients with severe systemic symptoms often need broader therapy. Those with salicylate allergy should avoid mesalamine products.

Caution is advised with kidney or liver impairment. Report prior pancreatitis, cardiac inflammation, or blood disorders to the prescriber. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, clinicians balance benefits and risks; rectal therapy may limit systemic exposure compared with some alternatives.

To control ongoing costs, consider multi‑month fills and watch for a pentasa enema deal during seasonal promotions. A pentasa online pharmacy based in Canada may list better pricing than many US outlets. If paying pentasa enema out of pocket, combining orders or choosing bulk purchase options can reduce per‑unit costs.

Keep delivery predictable by turning on email or SMS reorder reminders. Many patients plan refills to avoid gaps in therapy, especially before travel.

Authoritative Sources

Ferring Canada: Pentasa brand information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Pentasa (mesalamine) listing

FDA label: Mesalamine rectal suspension

Order Pentasa® 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 a qualified healthcare professional.