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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library mesalamine (rectal)

mesalamine (rectal)

Pronunciation: me SAL a meen

Brand: Canasa, Canasa Pac, Rowasa, sfRowasa

What is the most important information I should know about mesalamine rectal?

What is the most important information I should know about mesalamine rectal?

Call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, cramping, and bloody diarrhea (may occur with fever, headache, and skin rash).

 What is mesalamine rectal?

What is mesalamine rectal?

Mesalamine rectal is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis in adults.

Mesalamine rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

 What should I discuss with my health care provider before using mesalamine rectal?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using mesalamine rectal?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid, Kaopectate, Nuprin Backache, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • a skin condition such as eczema;
  • a kidney stone or kidney disease;
  • asthma or sulfite allergy; or
  • liver disease.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in the nursing baby.

 How should I use mesalamine rectal?

How should I use mesalamine rectal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take a rectal suppository or enema by mouth. Use it only in your rectum.

For best results, use mesalamine rectal at bedtime. Try to empty your bowel and bladder before using rectal medicine. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.

Wash your hands before and after using rectal medicine.

Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt. Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for 1 to 3 hours or longer, if possible.

Shake the rectal enema liquid well just before each use.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are using mesalamine.

To use the enema, lie on your left side with your left leg extended and your right leg slightly bent. Remove the cap from the applicator tip and gently insert the tip into your rectum. Slowly squeeze the bottle to empty the contents into the rectum.

After using the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom, and hold in the enema at least 8 hours, or all night, if possible.

Drink plenty of water each day.

It may take up to 3 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

You may need frequent blood tests to check your blood cells or kidney function.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesalamine.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.

The enema liquid may darken in color after it has been removed from the foil pouch. This should not affect the medicine. However, throw away any enema liquid that has turned dark brown.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and wait until your next bedtime to use the medicine. Do not use two doses at one time.

 What happens if I overdose?

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

 What should I avoid while using mesalamine rectal?

What should I avoid while using mesalamine rectal?

Avoid getting this medicine on clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, marble, granite, and other surfaces. Mesalamine rectal products may stain surfaces.

If you have a skin condition such as eczema, mesalamine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

 What are the possible side effects of mesalamine rectal?

What are the possible side effects of mesalamine rectal?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using mesalamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea;
  • fever, headache, general ill feeling;
  • rash, itching, eye redness;
  • low white blood cell counts --fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, feeling light-headed, trouble breathing;
  • signs of a kidney stone --severe pain in your side and back, frequent need to urinate, foul-smelling urine, dark or cloudy urine; or
  • kidney problems --increased or decreased urination, swelling, weight gain.

Low white blood cell counts may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

  • fever;
  • dizziness;
  • rectal pain, colitis;
  • rash; or
  • acne.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

 What other drugs will affect mesalamine rectal?

What other drugs will affect mesalamine rectal?

Mesalamine can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine; or

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mesalamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

 Where can I get more information?

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about mesalamine rectal.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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