Mesalazine suppositories or enema

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.