Mesalamine delayed-release oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes mesalamine DR oral tablet’s dosages and strength. It also gives details on how to take it. You’ll find information on cost savings and coupon options for mesalamine as well.

Mesalamine DR oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Lialda. Mesalamine also comes in enema and suppository forms, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

Form and strength of mesalamine

Mesalamine delayed-release oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strength: 1.2 grams

“Delayed release” means the drug releases into your body slowly over time.

Dosage of mesalamine

This article describes the recommended dosages for mesalamine delayed-release (DR) oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of mesalamine DR oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of mesalamine in adults

Mesalamine DR oral tablet treats symptoms of ulcerative colitis and inflammation. Sometimes people may not have symptoms they notice but still have inflammation.

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a dosage of mesalamine to cause remission. Remission means your ulcerative colitis isn’t active and your symptoms are reduced.

Then they’ll adjust your dosage to the maintenance dosage. This dosage maintains remission and prevents ulcerative colitis flares. The maximum dosage the drugmaker recommends is 4.8 grams daily. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the dosage of mesalamine that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis

The following table shows the typical dosages used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults:

Dosage adjustments for mesalamine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of mesalamine DR oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have
• your liver and kidney function
• other medications you may take

Missed dose of mesalamine

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of mesalamine DR oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of mesalamine DR oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about mesalamine delayed-release oral tablet and its dosage.

How long can you take mesalamine? Is the drug taken long term?

Doctors typically prescribe mesalamine delayed-release oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take mesalamine, talk with your doctor.

When is the best time of day to take mesalamine?

It’s best to take mesalamine around the same time each day. Find a time that works best for you. You should take mesalamine with food, so you might find it helpful to take it at mealtime.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take mesalamine.

Can mesalamine be taken for IBS? If so, what is the dosage?

It might be. Mesalamine has been studied to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But this is an off-label use of the drug. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat.

If you think you have IBS, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment for your condition.

How mesalamine is taken

You’ll swallow mesalamine delayed-release (DR) oral tablet once per day with food. Throughout your treatment, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Do not crush, split, or chew mesalamine DR oral tablet.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Mesalamine coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for mesalamine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of mesalamine

It’s important that you do not take more mesalamine delayed-release oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of mesalamine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• electrolyte changes
• blood acidity changes
• liver or kidney damage
• seizures

What to do if you take too much mesalamine

If you think you’ve taken too much mesalamine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for mesalamine delayed-release (DR) oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of mesalamine without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take mesalamine DR oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will a lower dosage of mesalamine DR oral tablet have a lower risk of side effects?
• When should my dosage of mesalamine DR oral tablet change to the maintenance dosage?
• Can I divide my dosage of mesalamine DR oral tablet into two doses per day?
• Should I separate my dose of mesalamine DR oral tablet from any other medications I take?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.