Mesalazine

(Pentasa®, Salofalk®, Asacol® , Mesalazine)

Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets- modified release, gastro-resistant
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
No
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
Yes
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
No
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
For patients with swallowing difficulties consider giving the modified release granules or, according to the summary of product characteristics
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Mesalazine
Usual formulation brand names
Pentasa®, Salofalk®, Asacol®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
Yes
Modified release
Yes, some
Film coated
Yes
Enteric coated
Yes, some
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
500mg, 1000mg, 1.5g, 3g, 4g,
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
-
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
No
Are specials or imports available?
No
Liquid strengths
n/a
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
n/a
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Consider rectally administered formulations as an alternative if appropriate. Rectal foams, enemas and suppositories available