NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Mesalamine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent used as first-line therapy for induction and maintenance of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine acts locally on the colonic mucosa and is available in multiple formulations designed to deliver the active drug to specific segments of the GI tract.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2004–2025
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent used as first-line therapy for induction and maintenance of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 2.4–4.8 g/day in divided doses (oral); 1–4 g/day (rectal) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Induction of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis2,7
  • Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis2,4
  • Reduction of mucosal inflammation
  • Colorectal cancer risk reduction in ulcerative colitis patients2,4
What to watch for
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Known hypersensitivity to mesalamine, salicylates, or any component1,2
  • Severe renal impairment

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: induction of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, reduction of mucosal inflammation. 10 sources indexed (2004–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Exerts a topical anti-inflammatory effect on the colonic epithelium through multiple mechanisms: inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways (reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis), scavenging of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of NF-kB nuclear translocation, and modulation of mucosal immune cell function. The exact mechanism is not fully elucidated.

Class
Aminosalicylate (IBD)
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
2.4–4.8 g/day in divided doses (oral); 1–4 g/day (rectal) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Delayed-release tablet, extended-release capsule, rectal suppository, or enema

Some formulations should be taken with food for consistent drug release; swallow tablets whole, do not break the outer coating

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Nephrotoxicity (rare; interstitial nephritis)
  • Pancreatitis (rare)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to mesalamine, salicylates, or any component1,2
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Patients with salicylate allergy
  • Caution in patients with pre-existing renal disease3,5
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Mesalamine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Mesalamine?

A 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agent used as first-line therapy for induction and maintenance of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine acts locally on the colonic mucosa and is available in multiple formulations designed to deliver the active drug to specific segments of the GI tract.

What is Mesalamine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Mesalamine include: Induction of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis; Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis; Reduction of mucosal inflammation; Colorectal cancer risk reduction in ulcerative colitis patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Mesalamine?

A typical adult dose of Mesalamine is 2.4–4.8 g/day in divided doses (oral); 1–4 g/day (rectal) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Delayed-release tablet, extended-release capsule, rectal suppository, or enema. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Mesalamine?

Reported side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nephrotoxicity (rare; interstitial nephritis). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Mesalamine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Mesalamine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.