Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreWhat Is Mesacol 400 Mg?
Mesacol 400 Mg is the medication to treat inflammation, ulcers in stomach and chronic bowel illnesses. The drug belongs to the class of medicines known as amino salicylate.
Besides this the drug is also prescribed for normal symptoms of diarrhea, stomachache, or bleeding in bowels. This drug one can say is the expert of treating bowel related problems.
The key ingredient of Mesacol 400 Mg is Mesalamine, in medical terms also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid. This is a form of delayed tablet, designed in a way to directly show effect on lower region of the digestive tract.
Other painkillers effect overall body, but Mesacol 400 Mg is a specialized drug to work only on the specific ulcer or swelling on the walls and linings of intestine and rectum.
Manufacturer Information
Mesacol 400 Mg is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant known as Sun Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. It is an Indian company with more than 50 years of experience in medical manufacturing and delivering across the globe.
How Mesacol 400 Mg Works In The Body
The inflammation caused due to ulcers in the intestine or in the stomach is mainly due to release of enzymes known as prostaglandins. These are responsible for any swelling or formation of ulcers in stomach and intestines. Mesacol 400 Mg prevents or reduces production of prostaglandins. Thus, easing inflammation and healing swollen regions in intestine.
- Targeted Release: The DR or delayed response method of this drug makes sure the drug is not dissolved like other medicines. Rather, it reaches the swollen and inflamed regions in rectum and then starts its action. It’s like a precision missile that affects only the fixed target.
- Local Action: As per the studies and observation around 75% of the drug acts with this delayed method directly on the swelling. Rest 25% of the drug gets dissolved and absorbed in blood.
Medical Uses Of Mesacol 400 Mg
- Ulcerative Colitis: For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, i.e., treating formation and inflammation caused due to ulcers in large intestine.
- Crohn’s Disease: Treatment of Crohn’s disease, here the drug prevents the inflammation from reaching colon. Once it reaches, colon it can even lead to surgery.
- Diarrhea: Prescribed for months or even years for long terms solution for diarrhea or blood in stools conditions.
Benefits Of Mesacol 400 Mg Tablets
- Aids in Bowel Symptoms: The drug is successful in controlling the symptoms such as frequent and urgent bowel urges, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Common symptoms are immediately treated within a day or two.
- Heals Damaged Lining: When prescribed for few weeks or months, not only does the drug stops inflammation it also repairs the damaged lining of intestine over time.
- Treats Colorectal Cancer: It has been observed in studies that long term use of Mesacol 400 Mg significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.
- No Major Side Effects: Unlike steroids, even with long term medication of Mesacol 400 Mg there are no major side effects as it is seen with other medicines.
Recommended Dosage And How To Take It
- Dosage: Dosage is dependent on the patient’s medical history, current situation, any existing medication, and whole lot of factors. Hence, there is no uniform dosage for the drug. However, for adults 1 pill a day is the common dosage.
- How to Take: The drug is water-soluble tablet, which needs you to swallow it with water.
- Check Point: Do not try any other beverage juice or any carbonated drinks with Mesacol 400 Mg. It can lead to side effects.
- Handling Caution: The tablet in any case must not be chewed, broken or damaged. Once damaged, the coating is broken, releasing the ingredients.
- With Food: Ideally doctors prescribed Mesacol 400 Mg to be consumed along with food, to cause minimum aftereffects in gut.
Who Can Use Mesacol 400 Mg?
- Adults: The drug is mostly prescribed to adults. As this type of ulcers and severe inflammation conditions occurs mostly in adults.
- Children: However, in some cases if children also show these symptoms, then doctor may prescribe Mesacol 400 Mg. But doctors will make some changes in strength of dosage to prevent side effects. There is no report or study to show any specific side effects for children. But in case of any confusion always reach out to doctor.
- Pregnant/Breastfeeding mom: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are in vulnerable stage. Always go to the doctor for any clarification.
Possible Side Effects Of Mesacol 400 Mg
Majority of the side effects due to Mesacol 400 Mg are minor and you don’t need to visit doctor’s clinic. Some of the side effects that you may experience are listed below:
- Digestive issues: Gas related issues, Minor diarrhea, Nausea, and acid reflux causing Heartburn.
- Neuro and Respiratory issues: Minor headache, Shortness in breathing (rare)
- Urinary Tract issues: Kidney or liver-related symptoms
- Skin Complexities: Rashes and Red patches on skin
Important Precautions And Warnings
- Salicylates: Do not take Mesacol 400 Mg if you are allergic to the key ingredient, Mesalamine or any other salicylates.
- Liver and Kidney Issues: Patients with existing kidney or liver disorders must be very cautions. Their chances of getting fatal side effects are very high. At the time of checkup, let the doctor know about your existing ailments.
- Blood thinners: Patients taking anti-blood clotting medicines or blood thinners, or Ibuprofen can damage kidney. And for existing kidney patients, it can make things worse.
Storage
- The tablet must be stored in a place where the humidity is low. Too much humidity can lead to dampening of tablets.
- The tablet shall be stored in a dark or mid-lit place. Direct exposure to sunlight damages the tablet.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice For Safe Use
It is advised to always complete the course prescribed by the doctor. And strictly follow the strength and dosage as given in the prescription for safe use. Suddenly stopping the medication can bring back the symptoms again.
FAQs
Q. Is Mesacol 400 Mg A Steroid?
The drug is not a steroid; it is classified as amino salicylate. In layman terms it is an anti-inflammatory drug.
Q. Does Mesacol Cause Kidney Stones?
In rare cases, in some cases it was seen to cause kidney stones. But this is mostly true for patients with already suffering from kidney disorder.
Q. How Long Does It Take For Mesacol To Start Working?
Usually, you can experience positive effects within 2 to 3 weeks of consistent medication.
