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Mesalamine, also called 5-aminosalicylic acid, is a prescription anti-inflammatory medicine used for ulcerative colitis. This page focuses on current 400 mg delayed-release capsules. They treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients age 5 and older and maintain remission in adults. Other mesalamine tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas have different instructions.
read more about mesalamine ...The exact therapeutic mechanism of mesalamine is not fully established. It acts mainly within the intestinal lining to reduce inflammatory activity. Its actions include changes in pathways involving prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators.
Current 400 mg delayed-release capsules treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults and children age 5 and older. They are also indicated for maintenance of remission in adults. Pediatric maintenance safety and efficacy have not been established for this formulation. Patients with salicylate or aminosalicylate hypersensitivity must not receive it.
Adults with active ulcerative colitis take 800 mg three times daily for six weeks. Adult maintenance treatment uses 1.6 g daily in two to four divided doses. Patients age 5 and older receive weight-based doses divided twice daily for six weeks. Capsules are swallowed whole or opened so the enclosed tablets can be swallowed whole. The inner tablets are not crushed or chewed, and two 400 mg capsules are not substituted directly with one 800 mg delayed-release tablet.
Serious concerns include kidney impairment, acute intolerance syndrome that can resemble a colitis flare, hypersensitivity reactions involving the heart or other organs, liver failure in susceptible patients, severe skin reactions, photosensitivity, and kidney stones. Kidney function is assessed before treatment and monitored periodically. Adequate fluid intake is recommended to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Mesalamine treats ulcerative colitis, with approved uses that depend on the formulation.
The recommended dose is 800 mg three times daily for six weeks.
The recommended maintenance dose is 1.6 g daily in two to four divided doses.
Yes. Mesalamine can cause kidney impairment, so kidney function is assessed before and during treatment.
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Mesalamine (USAN). StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551714/. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.