Mesalazine Aurobindo (Mesalazine)

Mesalazine Aurobindo belongs to the aminosalicylate class and is used to manage inflammatory bowel disease.

• Ulcerative colitis: induces remission and helps maintain symptom‑free periods.
• Crohn's disease (colonic involvement): reduces colonic inflammation and supports disease control.
• Maintenance therapy: helps prevent relapse after an initial remission phase.

• Mesalazine acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It also modulates local chemical mediators and cytokine release, thereby decreasing mucosal inflammation and promoting healing of the colon lining.

Mesalazine may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate upset stomach.
• Headache: occasional tension‑type headache.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Flatulence: increased intestinal gas.
• Rash: mild skin irritation or itching.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools, usually transient.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction: swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
• Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Pancreatitis: sudden upper abdominal pain with nausea.
• Blood dyscrasias: unexplained bruising or low blood counts.
• Hepatic dysfunction: jaundice or elevated liver enzymes.
• Interstitial nephritis: kidney inflammation presenting with reduced urine output.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess patient history and monitor relevant parameters.

• Renal function: evaluate baseline creatinine and monitor periodically.
• Hepatic function: check liver enzymes before and during treatment.
• Blood counts: perform complete blood count to detect rare cytopenias.
• Pregnancy and lactation: discuss potential risks as safety data are limited.
• Concomitant NSAIDs: avoid or use with caution due to increased renal risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Mesalazine can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Azathioprine: combined use may increase risk of bone‑marrow suppression.
• Warfarin: mesalazine may potentiate anticoagulant effect, raising bleeding risk.
• Sulfasalazine: additive gastrointestinal irritation; concurrent use is not recommended.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may worsen renal function.
• Oral contraceptives: possible reduction in contraceptive effectiveness.
• ACE inhibitors and diuretics: monitor renal parameters for additive nephrotoxicity.
• Methotrexate: may increase hepatic toxicity; liver function should be checked.