Mesalamine (Lialda) Uses

Mesalamine is used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (the other type is Crohn’s disease). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum that develop due to problems with the immune system. 

There may be other uses of mesalamine—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Mesalamine (Lialda) Mechanism of Action

Mesalamine helps to relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms through its anti-inflammatory effects.

Mesalamine (Lialda) Doses

Mesalamine (Lialda) tablets come in a 1.2 gram strength. The recommended dosage for adults (induction for mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis) is 2.4 g to 4.8 g (two to four of the 1.2-g tablets) taken once daily. The recommended dosage for maintenance of remission is 2.4 g (two of the 1.2-g tablets) once daily.

The recommended dosage of different formulations of mesalamine is as follows:

• Delayed release tablet (Lialda): Once a day with food in adults and children. 
• Delayed-release tablet (Asacol): Three times a day on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after eating) in adults. 
• Extended-release capsule (Apriso): Once a day in the morning with or without food in adults. 
• Extended-release capsule (Pentasa): Four times a day with or without food in adults. 
• Delayed-release capsule (Delzicol): 2-4 times a day in divided doses with or without food in adults and twice a day in children (morning and afternoon).