Mesalamine (USAN)

Excerpt

Mesalamine (USAN), also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is primarily indicated to treat inflammatory bowel disease and is effective in inducing or maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate cases of ulcerative colitis. Topical mesalamine stands as the first-line treatment for this condition. Clinicians may use 5-ASA off-label in Crohn disease following surgical resection of the affected bowel. Although patients with ulcerative colitis typically receive 5-ASA prescriptions from their managing gastroenterologist or primary care clinician, a surgeon may become involved in off-label uses. This activity provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of mesalamine, covering FDA-approved indications, mechanisms of action, administration strategies, contraindications, and adverse effects profile. This activity also highlights the crucial role of the interprofessional healthcare team in effectively treating patients with ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and related conditions by enhancing their understanding of mesalamine's indications.