Mesalazine
Mesalazine
Mesalazine (pronounced meh-suh-luh-zeen), also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It is generally considered the first-line treatment for these conditions.
Etymology
The term "mesalazine" is derived from the compound's chemical structure, which includes a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) molecule. The "mesa" prefix is derived from the Greek word "mesos", meaning "middle", while the "lazine" suffix is a common ending for medications.
Pharmacology
Mesalazine works by reducing inflammation in the bowel. It is thought to block the production of arachidonic acid (a fatty acid that promotes inflammation) and its metabolites in the colon mucosa.
Usage
Mesalazine is typically taken orally, but can also be administered rectally in the form of a suppository or enema. The dosage and method of administration may vary depending on the severity and location of the disease.
Side Effects
Common side effects of mesalazine include nausea, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause pancreatitis or hepatitis.
Related Terms
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Arachidonic acid
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatitis
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mesalazine
- Wikipedia's article - Mesalazine
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