Mesacol Suppository

Mesacol Suppository

Mesacol Suppository is a rectal medication manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd..

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Mesacol Suppository
  • Common Name: Mesalazine suppository

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Mesalazine (also known as Mesalamine or 5-Aminosalicylic Acid)
  • Strength: Available in 500 mg and 1g strengths. The user specified "MESACOL SUPPOSITORY by SUN PHARMA VV" which usually refers to the 500mg version, but 1g is also mentioned. I will focus on 500mg as it is consistently referenced.

• Uses: Mesacol Suppository is primarily used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing inflammation in the rectum and colon.

  • Ulcerative Proctitis: Manages mild to moderate active ulcerative proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum. It alleviates symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, mucus discharge, and rectal discomfort.
  • Ulcerative Colitis: Manages mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum. It helps reduce symptoms like diarrhea, bleeding, and stomach pain.
  • Crohn's Disease: Used in mild to moderate cases of Crohn's disease to reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups, affecting any part of the digestive tract.

• Dosage and Administration: Mesacol Suppository is for rectal use only and should not be taken orally.

  • Typical Guidance: The usual dosage for the 500 mg suppository is typically one suppository two times daily, with a possible increase to three times daily if the response is inadequate after two weeks. For the 1000 mg suppository, it is often administered rectally once daily at bedtime for 3 to 6 weeks.
  • Administration:
    1. Empty bowels before use.
    2. Unwrap the suppository carefully.
    3. Insert the pointed end into the rectum using a clean finger.
    4. Remain lying down for at least 15 minutes after insertion to allow for effective medication distribution and absorption.
    5. The suppository should be retained for one to three hours or longer if possible.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, flatulence, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, rectal pain or discomfort, rash, and itching. Most common side effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own.
  • Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention if experienced): Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat), unexplained bleeding, bruising, unusual weakness/fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heartbeat, kidney injury (decreased urine, swelling of ankles/hands/feet), liver injury (right upper belly pain, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine), pancreatitis (back/stomach pain, fever, vomiting).

• Precautions:

  • Allergies: Do not use if allergic to mesalazine, salicylates (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), or sulfasalazine.
  • Organ Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver problems. Not recommended for severe kidney or hepatic impairment. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function tests may be required.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult a doctor before use.
  • Drug Interactions:
    • Immunosuppressants: May increase side effects when taken with azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or thioguanine.
    • Blood Thinners: May alter the effectiveness of anticoagulants like warfarin.
    • NSAIDs: Concomitant use with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can increase the risk of kidney problems.
    • Nephrotoxic medicines: May increase the risk of kidney damage.
  • Other Warnings: Caution in elderly patients. Adequate fluid intake is recommended to help prevent kidney stones.
  • Staining: Mesalamine suppositories may cause staining of direct contact surfaces like fabrics or flooring.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat, typically below 25°C (77°F). Keep out of reach of children. Suppositories may be refrigerated but should not be frozen.

Mesacol Suppository, manufactured by SUN PHARMA, contains Mesalamine (also known as Mesalazine or 5-Aminosalicylic Acid) as its active ingredient. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory effects in the colon and rectum.

What is Mesacol Suppository used for?

Mesacol Suppository is primarily used to treat mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that cause inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and rectum. It helps manage symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, and abdominal discomfort. It can also be used in some cases of Crohn's disease, particularly when the rectum is inflamed.

How does Mesacol Suppository work?

Mesacol Suppository contains Mesalamine, which is an aminosalicylate. It works locally in the intestines, particularly in the rectum and lower parts of the large intestine, by preventing or blocking the body from producing certain chemical messengers, such as prostaglandins, that cause inflammation, pain, and swelling. This action helps to reduce ulceration, bleeding, and stomach pain, and can prevent future flare-ups of the illness.

What is the usual dosage for Mesacol Suppository?

Mesacol Suppository is for rectal use only and should not be taken orally. The dose and duration will depend on your specific condition and response to treatment, as prescribed by your doctor. Common dosages include 1000 mg (1g) administered rectally once daily at bedtime, typically for 3 to 6 weeks, or 500 mg suppositories 2 to 3 times daily. It is important to stay in a lying position for at least 15 minutes after insertion to allow for proper absorption.

What are the possible side effects of Mesacol Suppository?

Common side effects include rectal discomfort, rash, itching, indigestion, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most of these usually resolve on their own. More serious side effects, though less common, can include severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat), kidney injury (e.g., decreased urine, swelling), liver injury (e.g., upper belly pain, yellowing skin/eyes), heart muscle inflammation, or Mesalamine intolerance syndrome (severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle pain). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Is Mesacol Suppository safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Limited information is available on the use of Mesacol Suppository during pregnancy, and it should be used with caution only if clearly necessary, after consulting your doctor. Animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. For breastfeeding, Mesacol Suppository is generally not recommended unless deemed necessary by a doctor, as limited data suggest Mesalazine can pass into breast milk and may cause adverse effects like diarrhea in the infant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.

Can Mesacol Suppository be taken with other medications?

You should inform your doctor about all other medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking, as some interactions can occur. Caution is advised when taking Mesacol Suppository with:

• Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and thioguanine (used in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or leukemia) due to increased risk of blood disorders.
• Warfarin (a blood thinner) as Mesalamine may decrease its effect.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac, or aspirin, as this combination may increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Sulfasalazine if you have a known allergy to it. Rectal suppositories generally have lower systemic absorption, which may reduce the likelihood of some systemic drug interactions compared to oral forms.

What precautions should be taken when using Mesacol Suppository?

Before using Mesacol Suppository, inform your doctor if you have any history of liver or kidney disease, heart problems, lung diseases like asthma, or if you have experienced allergic reactions to salicylates (like aspirin) or sulfasalazine. It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment to help prevent kidney stone formation. Your doctor may monitor your liver, kidney, blood, and lung functions periodically during treatment.

What happens if a dose of Mesacol Suppository is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should Mesacol Suppository be stored?

Store Mesacol Suppository in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The storage temperature should generally be below 25°C or 30°C. Keep the suppositories away from children and pets. Do not freeze the suppositories.