Mesalamine (Rectal)

Brand Names : Canasa, Rowasa, Pentasa, Salofalk, 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA

Proper Use of This Medicine

For best results, empty your bowel just before using the rectal enema or suppository.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses .

For patients using the enema form of this medicine:

• This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.
• Remove the bottles from the protective foil pouch, being careful not to squeeze or puncture them. The enema is an off-white to tan color. Contents of the enemas removed from the foil pouch may darken with time. Slight darkening will not affect the potency of the contents. However, enemas with dark brown contents should be discarded.
• Shake the bottle well to make sure that the medication is thoroughly mixed. Remove the protective cover from the applicator tip. Hold bottle at the neck so that no medicine spills out.
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight and your right knee bent in front of you for balance. You can also lie in the knee-chest position, on your knees with your chest touching the bed.
• Gently insert the rectal tip of the enema applicator pointed slightly toward your naval to prevent damage to the rectal wall. Tilt the nozzle slightly toward the back and squeeze slowly to cause the enema to flow into your rectum. Steady pressure will discharge most of the medicine. After administering, withdraw and discard the bottle.
• Remain in position for at least 30 minutes to allow the medicine to distribute thoroughly. Retain the medicine all night if possible.

For patients using the suppository form of this medicine:

• This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.
• Detach one suppository from strip of suppositories. Hold suppository upright and carefully remove the foil wrapper.
• Avoid excessive handling of the suppository, which is designed to melt at body temperature.
• Insert suppository (pointed end first) completely into rectum with gentle pressure. Retain the suppository for 3 hours or longer, if possible, to achieve the best result.

Dosing - The dose of mesalamine may be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of mesalamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For inflammatory bowel disease:
  • For enema dosage form:
    • Adults and teenagers - 4 grams (1 unit), used as directed, every night for three to six weeks.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For suppository dosage form:
    • Adults and teenagers - 500 milligrams (mg), inserted into your rectum, two or three times a day for three to six weeks.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of mesalamine enema, use it as soon as possible if you remember it that same night. However, if you do not remember it until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of mesalamine suppository, use it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat, humidity, and direct light.
• Keep the enema from freezing.
• Keep the suppositories at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.