Mesacol Tablet DR is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat a type of bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis. It helps to reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding and stomach pain by reducing inflammation in the bowel.
Mesacol Tablet DR may also be used to treat another type of bowel disease known as Crohn’s ileocolitis. It should be taken with food. The dose will depend on what you are being treated for but take it exactly as your doctor prescribes. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, itching, flatulence, and vomiting. If these symptoms bother you, do not go away, or get worse, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Some people may get a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical attention. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or lips, unusual bleeding, bruising, rash, fever, sore throat, or excessive tiredness.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems or a blockage in your stomach. Your age may also be a factor in deciding whether this medicine is suitable. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine (colon) and rectum in which the lining of the bowel becomes red and swollen. This can lead to bleeding, frequent diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Mesacol Tablet DR can relieve these symptoms and also help you to stay well by preventing them from coming back. There are many different brands and your doctor will decide which is most suitable for you. You need to take this medicine regularly to get the most out of it and you should drink plenty of fluids while taking it to make sure you stay hydrated.
Side effects of Mesacol Tablet DR
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Mesacol
Stomach pain/epigastric pain
Flatulence
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Rash
How to use Mesacol Tablet DR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Mesacol Tablet DR may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Mesacol Tablet DR works
Mesacol Tablet DR is an aminosalicylate. It works by suppressing the production of chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that cause inflammation (swelling) in the intestines. This reduces ulceration, bleeding and stomach pain, and prevents future flare-ups of the disease.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Mesacol Tablet DR. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Mesacol Tablet DR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Mesacol Tablet DR is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. If you are taking Mesacol Tablet DR, monitor the baby for diarrhea.
Driving
SAFE
Mesacol Tablet DR does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Mesacol Tablet DR should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Mesacol Tablet DR may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Mesacol Tablet DR is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
Liver
CAUTION
Mesacol Tablet DR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Mesacol Tablet DR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Mesacol Tablet DR?
If you miss a dose of Mesacol Tablet DR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.