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Quick facts
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 238151
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mesalamine rectal suspension enema is indicated for the treatment of active mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis or proctitis in adults.
About this medicine
DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in Mesalamine Rectal Suspension, USP Enema, a disposable (60 mL) unit, is mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Chemically, mesalamine is 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid. The empirical formula is C 7 H 7 NO 3 , representing a molecular weight of 153.14. The structural formula is: Each rectal suspension enema unit contains 4 grams of mesalamine. In addition to mesalamine the preparation contains the inactive ingredients carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, potassium acetate, potassium metabisulfite, purified water and xanthan gum. Sodium benzoate is added as a preservative. The disposable unit consists of an applicator tip protected by a polyethylene cover and lubricated with USP white petrolatum. The unit has a one-way valve to prevent back flow of the dispensed product. Structural Formula Image
Who should not take it
CONTRAINDICATIONS Mesalamine rectal suspension enema is contraindicated for patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates, aminosalicylates, sulfites or any other component of this medication.
Warnings
WARNINGS Hypersensitivity Reactions Sulfite-Related Reactions Mesalamine rectal suspension enema contains potassium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown but probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic or in atopic nonasthmatic persons. Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic or emergency situations even though epinephrine injection contains sodium or potassium metabisulfite with the above-mentioned potential liabilities. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. The presence of a sulfite(s) in epinephrine injection should not deter the administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations. Sulfasalazine-Associated Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients taking sulfasalazine. Some patients may have a similar reaction to mesalamine rectal suspension enema or to other compounds that contain or are converted to mesalamine. As with sulfasalazine, mesalamine-induced hypersensitivity reactions may present as internal organ involvement, including myocarditis, pericarditis, nephritis, hepatitis, pneumonitis and hematologic abnormalities. Evaluate patients immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction are present. Discontinue mesalamine rectal suspension enema if an alternative etiology for the signs and symptoms cannot be established. Renal Impairment Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and renal failure have been reported in patients given products that contain mesalamine or are converted to mesalamine. In animal studies, the kidney was the principal organ of mesalamine toxicity. Evaluate the risks and benefits of using mesalamine rectal suspension enema in patients with known renal impairment or a history of renal disease or taking concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. […]
Reported side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Adverse Experience - Mesalamine rectal suspension enema is usually well tolerated. Most adverse effects have been mild and transient. ADVERSE REACTIONS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN 0.1 % OF MESALAMINE RECTAL SUSPENSION ENEMA TREATED PATIENTS (COMPARISON TO PLACEBO) MESALAMINE RECTAL SUSPENSION ENEMA PLACEBO SYMPTOM N=815 N % N=128 N % Abdominal Pain/Cramps/Discomfort 66 8.10 10 7.81 Headache 53 6.50 16 12.50 Gas/Flatulence 50 6.13 5 3.91 Nausea 47 5.77 12 9.38 Flu 43 5.28 1 0.78 Tired/Weak/Malaise/Fatigue 28 3.44 8 6.25 Fever 26 3.19 0 0.00 Rash/Spots 23 2.82 4 3.12 Cold/Sore Throat 19 2.33 9 7.03 Diarrhea 17 2.09 5 3.91 Leg/joint Pain 17 2.09 1 0.78 Dizziness 15 1.84 3 2.34 Bloating 12 1.47 2 1.56 Back Pain 11 1.35 1 0.78 Pain on Insertion of Enema Tip 11 1.35 1 0.78 Hemorrhoids 11 1.35 0 0.00 Itching 10 1.23 1 0.78 Rectal Pain 10 1.23 0 0.00 Constipation 8 0.98 4 3.12 Hair Loss 7 0.86 0 0.00 Peripheral Edema 5 0.61 11 8.59 UTI/Urinary Burning 5 0.61 4 3.12 Rectal Pain/Soreness/Burning 5 0.61 3 2.34 Asthenia 1 0.12 4 3.12 Insomnia 1 0.12 3 2.34 In addition, the following adverse events have been identified during post-approval use of products which contain (or are metabolized to) mesalamine in clinical practice: nephrotoxicity, pancreatitis, fibrosing alveolitis, elevated liver enzymes, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, intracranial hypertension and nephrolithiasis. Cases of pancreatitis and fibrosing alveolitis have been reported as manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease as well. Published case reports and/or spontaneous post marketing surveillance have described rare instances of aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, oligospermia, and infertility in men. Anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis can be part of the clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease. Postmarketing cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP) and pleurisy/pleuritis have been reported. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Drug Interactions Nephrotoxic Agents, Including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs The concurrent use of mesalamine with known nephrotoxic agents, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity. Monitor patients taking nephrotoxic drugs for changes in renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine The concurrent use of mesalamine with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and/or any other drugs known to cause myelotoxicity may increase the risk for blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and associated complications. If concomitant use of mesalamine rectal suspension enema and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine cannot be avoided, monitor blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts.
If too much is taken
OVERDOSAGE Mesalamine absorption from the colon is limited; however, mesalamine rectal suspension enema is an aminosalicylate, and symptoms of salicylate toxicity include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, tachypnea, hyperpnea, tinnitus, and neurologic symptoms (headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures). Severe salicylate intoxication may lead to electrolyte and blood pH imbalance and potentially to other organ (e.g., renal and liver) involvement. There is no specific antidote for mesalamine overdose. Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalance by the administration of appropriate intravenous therapy and maintain adequate renal function.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 7 November 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.