Mesacol OD Tablet PR (Mesalazine) | Used for Ulcerative Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

Precautions

Medical supervision

• Use Mesacol OD Tablet PR (Mesalazine) only under proper medical supervision
• Do not change dose or stop suddenly
• Long term use may need regular monitoring
• Not suitable for self adjustment of therapy

Health conditions

Kidney and liver monitoring

• Kidney function tests may be required during treatment
• Liver enzymes should be checked if used long term
• Report reduced urine output or swelling

Digestive system effects

• May cause mild stomach discomfort or diarrhea initially
• Report worsening abdominal pain or bleeding
• Do not ignore persistent symptoms

Allergic reactions

• Stop use if rash, itching, or breathing difficulty occurs
• Seek attention if sensitivity signs appear

Hydration and lifestyle

• Maintain proper fluid intake during treatment
• Avoid dehydration during flare ups
• Follow dietary advice for bowel conditions

Monitoring advice

• Regular blood and urine tests may be required
• Follow up appointments are important for safe long term use
• Report any unusual symptoms early

Usage

Mesacol OD Tablet PR is an advanced gastrointestinal therapy designed for high-precision delivery. The prolonged-release technology is engineered to bypass the stomach and release the active Mesalamine specifically within the lower intestinal tract to ensure maximum anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Dosage and Administration

To maintain gut health and achieve long-term therapeutic success, patients must adhere to the following administration protocols.

• Once-Daily Dosing: As the name implies, Mesacol OD is designed for convenient once-daily administration, which helps in maintaining consistent levels of the drug in the colon.

• Whole Tablet Consumption: The tablet must be swallowed whole with plenty of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet, as this destroys the enteric coating and the prolonged-release mechanism, leading to premature release in the stomach.

• Meal Timing: For best results, it is generally recommended to take the tablet with a meal. This helps regulate the transit time through the digestive system.

• Treatment Duration: Therapy should be continued strictly as prescribed by a gastroenterologist, even if symptoms disappear, to ensure the disease remains in clinical remission.

• Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake throughout the day to support kidney function while on 5-ASA therapy.

• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate.

Uses

Mesacol OD Tablet PR is a primary treatment modality used to manage chronic bowel inflammation and prevent the recurrence of debilitating GI symptoms.

Primary Therapeutic Uses

• Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Used to treat active, mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, reducing inflammation in the lining of the large intestine.

• Maintenance of Remission: Highly effective at preventing IBD flare-ups, allowing patients to remain symptom-free for extended periods.

• Management of Crohn’s Disease: Prescribed to manage inflammation in cases of Crohn’s ileocolitis, specifically focusing on the terminal ileum and colon.

• Reduction of Rectal Bleeding: Helps in healing the mucosal lining of the bowel, which significantly reduces or stops the occurrence of blood in the stool.

• Bowel Frequency Regulation: Acts to decrease the urgency and frequency of diarrhea associated with inflammatory episodes.

• Proctosigmoiditis Support: Provides targeted relief for inflammation located in the lower sections of the colon and rectum.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence or bloating
• Mild vomiting

Digestive system effects

• Abdominal cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Mild worsening of bowel symptoms initially
• Acid reflux or indigestion

Skin reactions

• Rash
• Itching
• Mild skin irritation
• Sensitivity reactions in some cases

General effects

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Mild fever
• Joint or muscle pain

Kidney and liver related effects (rare)

Important warning

• Stop use and seek immediate attention if severe symptoms occur
• Report persistent abdominal pain, bleeding, or allergic reactions
• Regular monitoring may be required during long term therapy

FAQs

Q: What is Mesacol OD Tablet PR used for?

A: Mesacol OD Tablet PR is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ileocolitis. It helps reduce inflammation in the intestines, relieving symptoms such as diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. It also helps prevent future flare-ups of the disease.

Q: How does Mesacol OD Tablet PR work? A

: Mesalazine works by blocking the production of chemical messengers such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes that trigger inflammation, swelling, and irritation in the gut. This reduces ulceration, bleeding, and stomach pain while promoting healing of the intestinal lining.

Q: How should Mesacol OD Tablet PR be taken?

A: Mesacol OD Tablet PR should be taken with food, once daily, as directed by your doctor. The dosage depends on the condition being treated. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet; swallow it whole.

Q: What are the common side effects of Mesacol OD Tablet PR?

A: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, bloating, flatulence, vomiting, dizziness, joint pain, itching, and mild abdominal discomfort. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Q: Who should not take Mesacol OD Tablet PR?

A: Patients with known hypersensitivity to Mesalazine or salicylates should not take this medicine. It should also be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease. 

Q: Can Mesacol OD Tablet PR be used during pregnancy?

A: Mesacol OD Tablet PR may be unsafe during pregnancy. Although human studies are limited, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. 

Q: Is Mesacol OD Tablet PR safe during breastfeeding?

A: Mesacol OD Tablet PR is probably unsafe during breastfeeding as limited data suggests the medicine may pass into breast milk and harm the baby. 

Q: Can Mesacol OD Tablet PR affect the kidneys?

A: Yes, Mesacol OD Tablet PR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease as it can rarely affect kidney function. Your doctor may recommend periodic blood and urine tests to monitor kidney health during treatment.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Mesacol OD Tablet PR?

A: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Mesacol OD Tablet PR. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol during treatment.

Interactions

Other anti inflammatory medicines

• May increase risk of stomach or bowel irritation
• Combined use may require careful monitoring
• Risk of side effects may increase

Kidney affecting medicines

• Some medicines may increase kidney stress when used together
• Kidney function monitoring may be required
• Risk increases with long term combination use

Immune system medicines

• Medicines that affect immunity may alter response to treatment
• Combined use may increase infection risk
• Dose adjustment may be needed

Stomach acid reducing medicines

• May slightly affect absorption in some cases
• Effectiveness may vary in long term use
• Monitoring response is important

Blood clotting and anticoagulant medicines

• May increase risk of bleeding in rare cases
• Careful monitoring is advised
• Report unusual bruising or bleeding

General advice

• Inform about all ongoing medicines before use
• Avoid starting or stopping medicines without guidance
• Regular monitoring may be needed during combination therapy