Mesalazine suppositories or enemas are used to treat inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis in the rectum (called proctitis). Mesalazine suppositories or enemas are given rectally (through the bottom) to treat inflammation in the rectum or lower bowel. It allows the damaged areas to heal and helps to prevent symptoms from flaring up.
Note: Mesalazine is also available as tablets and granules. Read more about mesalazine tablets and granules.
Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz, scroll down the page then click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.
Mesalazine suppositories or enema
Sounds like 'me-SAL-a-zeen'
Key points about mesalazine suppositories or enemas
- Mesalazine suppositories or enemas are used to treat inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis in the rectum (called proctitis).
- Mesalazine is also called Asacol or Pentasa.
- Find out how to use it safely and possible side effects.
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are different brands of mesalazine. The dose is different depending on the brand you are taking.
- Asacol suppositories (500 mg): The usual dose for adults is 1–2 suppositories up to 3 times daily.
- Pentasa suppositories (1 gram): The usual dose for adults is 1–2 suppositories daily.
- Pentasa enema: The usual dose for adults is 1 enema daily, at night.
Mesalazine suppositories are available as Asacol (500 mg) or Pentasa (1 gram). The dose will be different for different people depending on your condition.
Your healthcare provider will explain how to use the suppositories. The following is a guide.
- Use mesalazine suppositories at the same times each day.
- It is best to have a bowel motion (poo) before using mesalazine suppositories. The suppositories work better if the bowel is empty.
- It is important to put them in correctly. Your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse can explain how to use the suppositories. As a guide:
- Wash your hands and remove the wrapper or foil around the suppository.
- Lie on your side, with your knees up. Put the suppository as far as possible into the rectum with the pointed end first.
- Stay lying down for a few minutes after insertion to help retain the suppository. If the suppository comes out within 10 minutes, a new one should be inserted.
- Use the Pentasa enema at night.
- It is best to have a bowel motion (poo) first.
- It is important to use it correctly. Your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse will explain how to use it. As a guide:
- Wash your hands and remove the enema from the foil packet.
- Shake the enema bottle. To open, twist the top around (360°). You can put water soluble lubricating jelly on the tip.
- Lie on your left side with your left leg out straight and right leg bent forward for balance. Carefully put the tip of the enema into the rectum and squeeze the bottle to empty slowly over 30–40 seconds. When the bottle is empty take it out. Stay on your side for 5–10 minutes or you can stay in bed until the next morning.
- A small amount of leakage may occur after use of the enema or suppository. It may be useful to wear protective clothing and/or use fluid absorbing pads in your underwear. This leakage is normal, but try to resist the urge to empty your bowels. Even if you retain just some of the enema the medicine will still work.
Like all medicines, mesalazine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
Side effects | What should I do? |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflets below. |
The following links have more information on mesalazine enemas and suppositories.
Mesalazine(external link) NZ Formulary
Asacol suppositories(external link) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
Pentasa suppositories (external link) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
Pentasa enema(external link) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
Resources
Symptom diary [PDF, 114 KB] Use this diary to track your symptoms throughout the day
5 questions to ask about your medications(external link) Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English(external link), te reo Māori(external link)
References
- Mesalazine(external link) NZ Formulary
- Asacol®(external link) Medsafe, NZ
- Pentasa®(external link) Medsafe, NZ
Credits: Healthify He Puna Waiora Pharmacists. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Maya Patel, MPharm PGDipClinPharm, Auckland
Last reviewed:
Page last updated: