Daily Diary – Day 42: Mesalamine Tablet for Ulcerative Colitis

Hello Diary,

Today at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, I had an in-depth discussion with a patient about their new prescription for Mesalamine tablets. They wanted to know all the details, including the mechanism of action, how to use it, and potential side effects. Here’s what I explained:

Mechanism of Action:

• Active Ingredient: Mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is an anti-inflammatory drug.
• How It Works: Mesalamine works by reducing inflammation directly in the colon. It blocks the production of certain chemicals (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestine.

How to Use It:

• Dosage: Follow the exact dosage prescribed by the doctor. Mesalamine is often taken once or twice a day, depending on the specific formulation.
• Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets as this can affect the release mechanism.
• Consistency: It’s important to take Mesalamine regularly at the same times each day to maintain consistent drug levels in the body.
• Food: Some formulations can be taken with or without food, but always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses:

• Ulcerative Colitis: Mesalamine is primarily used to treat and manage ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon.
• Maintenance Therapy: It can also be used for maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas.
• Less Common Side Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms.
• Serious Side Effects: Severe abdominal pain, worsening of colitis symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, kidney problems (indicated by changes in urine output), or signs of liver problems (such as yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine).

Monitoring:

• Regular Check-ups: Patients should have regular follow-ups with their doctor to monitor their response to the medication and adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Blood Tests: Routine blood tests may be required to check for potential side effects on the liver and kidneys.

Advice for Patients:

• Adherence: It’s crucial to take Mesalamine as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to a relapse of symptoms.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you experience diarrhea.
• Report Symptoms: Notify your doctor if you experience any severe side effects or if your symptoms worsen.

The patient appreciated the detailed information and felt more confident about starting their Mesalamine treatment. Providing comprehensive and reassuring advice is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Until tomorrow, Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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