Asacol
Indicated for ulcerative colitis and formulated to mitigate inflammation.
- Category
- Digestive Health
- Active ingredient
- Mesalazine
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Gastro-resistant tablet
- Strengths
- 400mg
Asacol details
- Condition
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Alternative names
- Octasa; Salofalk; Mezavant
- Therapeutic class
- Aminosalicylate
- Pharmacological class
- Anti-inflammatory
- Known off-label uses
- crohn's disease
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; diarrhoea
- Moderate side effects
- rash; abdominal pain; arthralgia
- Dosage forms
- Gastro-resistant tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Patient summary
- Indicated for ulcerative colitis and formulated to mitigate inflammation.
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Tillotts Pharma
- Onset Time
- 1–2 weeks
- Duration
- Ongoing treatment
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
- azathioprine; mercaptopurine
- Age restrictions
- Consult physician for use in children.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Discuss with doctor; generally considered safe but monitoring advised.
Contraindications
hypersensitivity to salicylates; severe renal impairment; severe hepatic impairment
Precautions and warnings
monitor renal function periodically; use with care in patients with active peptic ulcer
Serious side effects
nephrotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention; blood dyscrasias, requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism of action
Mesalazine exerts a local anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal mucosa, likely by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, thereby decreasing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Asacol
Asacol is a recognised brand of mesalazine, widely used in the management of ulcerative colitis. The same active ingredient is also available under the brand names Octasa, Salofalk and Mezavant. Supplied as a tablet in 400mg strengths, this medication is developed by Tillotts Pharma to help patients maintain consistent treatment protocols.
Buying Asacol online
Asacol is registered across 14 markets including the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, with availability also in South Korea, Japan and the UAE. As one of the most frequently ordered medications for ulcerative colitis across the region, it is often secured online with delivery across these locations. Generic mesalazine, much of it produced in India, offers a far more affordable alternative to the original brand, helping expats and patients further afield maintain continuity of care.