Interactions and warnings for mesalamine

Below, you’ll find information about mesalamine’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of mesalamine

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you start mesalamine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

prescription or over-the-counter drugs
vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for mesalamine” section below.

Warnings for mesalamine

Some people should not take or use mesalamine, and others should take or use it cautiously.

Mesalamine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether mesalamine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of mesalamine your doctor prescribes.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for mesalamine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

current health, including any allergies to medications
past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Mesalamine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to mesalamine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe mesalamine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

skin rash
itchiness
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to mesalamine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of mesalamine

If you take mesalamine by mouth or use it rectally, you should not take or use more mesalamine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken or used 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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and mesalamine

Information about mesalamine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Mesalamine and pregnancy

In general, mesalamine is considered safe to take or use during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Mesalamine and breastfeeding

There may be risks to taking or using mesalamine while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having untreated ulcerative colitis (UC) during this time. (Keep in mind that mesalamine is used for treating UC.)

For instance, mesalamine may cause diarrhea in a breastfed child.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about treatment options for UC. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take mesalamine during this time. Your doctor may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child.