Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

MESALAMINE

Mesalamine reduces inflammation in the colon by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Mesalamine is a topical anti-inflammatory agent that primarily targets the colonic epithelial cells. It works by reducing the production of arachidonic acid metabolites, such as prostanoids and leukotrienes, which are increased in patients with ulcerative colitis. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase, mesalamine decreases the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation in the colon.

Approved indications

• Moderately active ulcerative colitis — 1L

Pipeline indications

• Pediatric ulcerative colitis — Phase 3

Common side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Nasopharyngitis
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dyspepsia
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Influenza
• Pyrexia
• Cough

Drug interactions

• Nephrotoxic agents including NSAIDs
• Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine

Key clinical trials

• Chronotherapy of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid in Ulcerative Colitis (NA)
• Activation of Autophagy and Suppression of Apoptosis by Dapagliflozin Attenuates Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Possible Efficacy and Safety of Mebendazole in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Treated With Mesalamine (NA)
• Efficacy of Acupuncture-Mesalazine Combination Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis. (NA)
• Desloratadine in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)
• Determination of the Optimal Treatment Target in Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE4)
• Pentoxifylline in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)
• Confirmatory Clinical Study in Active Ulcerative Colitis (PHASE2)

Patents

Primary sources

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