Mesalamine
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Mesalamine (brand names Asacol, Lialda) — Anti-inflammatory (GI); Aminosalicylate.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Anti-inflammatory (GI).
- Pharmacologic class: Aminosalicylate.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Provides local anti-inflammatory action in the colon.
- Onset / peak / duration: Effect over days to weeks.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Variable; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Ulcerative colitis (treatment and maintenance).
- Usual dose, route, frequency: Oral delayed or extended-release daily; rectal suppository or enema for distal disease.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Per product; caution in renal impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Salicylate hypersensitivity.
- Black box warning: None.
- Interactions: Nephrotoxic drugs (additive renal risk), azathioprine.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Generally continued when needed.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence.
- Serious effects to report: Worsening colitis, nephrotoxicity, pancreatitis, hypersensitivity.
- Antidote / reversal: Not applicable.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Renal function, salicylate allergy, bowel symptoms.
- Interventions during therapy: Do not crush delayed-release; ghost shell may appear in stool.
- Monitor: Renal function, bowel symptoms.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Remission of colitis symptoms.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Swallow whole; the tablet shell in stool is normal.
- Notify provider if: Worsening bloody diarrhea, severe cramping, decreased urination.
- Administration tips: Swallow whole; take consistently.