Mesalazine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Mesalazine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory for the bowel. It is a prescription medicine used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Mesalazine works

Mesalazine is released in the bowel, where it acts directly on the inflamed lining. It reduces the production of chemicals that drive inflammation, which eases symptoms such as diarrhoea, bleeding and abdominal pain and helps the lining to heal.

What is Mesalazine used for?

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

Mesalazine is used to treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and, when taken long term, to help keep the condition settled and prevent new flare-ups. It is also sometimes used for Crohn's disease affecting the bowel. It comes as tablets, granules, suppositories and enemas, depending on which part of the bowel is affected.

Side effects of Mesalazine

Many people take Mesalazine with no trouble. Side effects that do occur are generally mild and include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Wind
• Skin rash

Contact your doctor straight away if you develop unexplained bruising or bleeding, a sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or a severe skin reaction.

Precautions and warnings

• Your doctor will check your kidney function with blood and urine tests before and during treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates, or have kidney or liver problems.
• Keep taking it regularly even when you feel well, as this helps prevent flare-ups.
• It is often continued during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but this should be discussed with your specialist.
• Different brands release the medicine in different ways, so do not switch brands without advice.

Frequently asked questions about Mesalazine

What is the price of Mesalazine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Mesalazine products currently in stock range from Rs 576 to Rs 3,120 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Salzina 400 mg Tablets at Rs 576. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Mesalazine are available in Pakistan?

Mesalazine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Masacol (Getz Pharma Ltd), Pentasa (Atco Laboratories Ltd) and Salzina (Genix Pharma Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Mesalazine?

Yes. Mesalazine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Mesalazine be used during pregnancy?

It is often continued during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but this should be discussed with your specialist.

Are all Mesalazine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Mesalazine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Mesalazine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Mesalazine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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