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mesalamine

An agent derived from sulfasalazine, an antiinflammatory agent. Mesalamine may reduce inflammation through inhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin production. Following rectal or oral administration, only a small amount of mesalamine is absorbed; the remainder, acting topically, reduces bowel inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and stomach pain.
Synonym:mesalazine
US brand name:Apriso
Asacol
Lialda
Pentasa
Rowasa
Abbreviation:5-ASA
Chemical structure:5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid
5-aminosalicylic acid
Search NCI's Drug Dictionary