N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid

N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid is a small molecule metabolite of the anti-inflammatory drug mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid or 5-ASA), which is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is formed in the body by acetylation of mesalamine. N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid itself has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects; clinical trials have shown that topical administration via enema can improve histological and sigmoidoscopic findings in patients with active ulcerative colitis[7][4]. Its mechanism of action is believed to be similar to that of mesalamine—primarily through inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes[6][8]. However, it is generally considered a metabolite rather than a primary therapeutic agent.

Other names

acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acidacetyl5-aminosalicylic acidacetyl 5-aminosalicylic acid5-acetylaminosalicylate5-Acetamido-2-hydroxybenzoic acid5-Acetamidosalicylic acid5-(Acetylamino)salicylic acid