mesalazine

Mesalazine (also known as mesalamine or 5-aminosalicylic acid) is a small molecule anti-inflammatory drug primarily used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and maintain remission of this condition. It is also indicated for the maintenance of remission in Crohn's ileocolitis and has been used in other colonic inflammatory bowel diseases. Mesalazine acts locally on the colonic mucosa to reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis through modulation of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. It also acts as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Additionally, it is believed to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), which plays a role in regulating intestinal inflammation[2][3][6]. Mesalazine is the active moiety of sulfasalazine and balsalazide prodrugs[2][5]. The drug does not suppress the immune system.

Brand names

AprisoAsacol HDDelzicolLialdaPentasaCanasaRowasaSalofalkFivasaOctasaSfrowasa

Other names

mesalamine