Mesalazine
Mesalazine, also known as mesalamine or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is an anti-inflammatory drug used primarily to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. It acts locally in the gut wall to reduce inflammation and associated symptoms.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage depends on the disease state, severity, and the specific drug formulation (e.g., delayed-release vs. extended-release). Swallow tablets/capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or break them, as this destroys the enteric coating. Pediatric dosing must be carefully calculated based on body weight and clinical response.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients weighing less than 5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not established
- Frequency
- Consult pediatrician
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing is not routinely established for this weight range. Use only under strict specialist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not established
- Frequency
- Consult pediatrician
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing is not standard. Specialty formulation and close clinical monitoring are required if prescribed.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg to 300 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on standard pediatric maintenance dosage of approximately 15-30 mg/kg/day. Use appropriate granule or liquid forms where available.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 300 mg to 500 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on standard pediatric maintenance dosage. Adjustments may be made by the specialist for active disease treatment.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients weighing less than 5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | Not established | Consult pediatrician | Dosing is not routinely established for this weight range. Use only under strict specialist supervision. |
| 8-10 kg | Not established | Consult pediatrician | Dosing is not standard. Specialty formulation and close clinical monitoring are required if prescribed. |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg to 300 mg daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Calculated based on standard pediatric maintenance dosage of approximately 15-30 mg/kg/day. Use appropriate granule or liquid forms where available. |
| 16-20 kg | 300 mg to 500 mg daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Calculated based on standard pediatric maintenance dosage. Adjustments may be made by the specialist for active disease treatment. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.
Generic Name
MesalazineBranded Drug Names
Mesalazine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.