MESALAZINE

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

aminosalicyates

Question 2

How does it work? (2)

Answer 2

• it releases 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA)

- it has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects

Question 3

Where in the body does mesalazine act?

Answer 3

gut

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

mild to mod ulcerative colitis

Question 5

Contra-indications

Answer 5

• patients with aspirin hypersensitivity

Question 6

Side effects (2, 3)

Answer 6

• GI upset –> nausea and dyspepsia
• headache

RARE

• blood abnormalities e.g. thrombocytopenia
• renal impairments
• hypersensitivity reaction - fever, rash and liver abnormalities

Question 7

Interactions (3)

Answer 7

• proton pump inhibitors
• coating is broken down prematurely
• 5-ASA released earlier on

Question 8

Why is the coating of mesalazine resistant to gastric breakdown?

Answer 8

• in order to realises 5-ASA further down the gut

Question 9

Elimination

Answer 9

urine and faeces