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 |