Early Oral & Topical Anti-inflammatory Therapies for IBD

Treatment Options Overview: 5-ASA

PRODUCT DETAILS / COMPANY (APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA FOR IBD INDICATIONS)

Mesalamine / AbbVie Corporation (2013)

INDICATION

Treatment of acute ulcerative colitis.

           

Logistics and Monitoring: 5-ASA

METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral
Rectal suppository
Rectal enema

LOCATION

Oral 
Acute ulcerative colitis extending beyond proctitis.

Suppositories
Mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis.

Rectal suspension (enema)
Mild to moderate left-sided ulcerative colitis.

DOSING - ADULTS

Oral
Delayed release tablets (500 mg oral).

Acute ulcerative colitis
2 500 mg tablets 3–4 times per day with a total daily dose of 3 g/day-4 g/day. Prolonged treatment may be required.

For the prevention of recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients following bowel resection, the total adult dose is 3 g/day in divided doses.

Recommend taking medication reliably and consistently. 

Tablets should be swallowed whole before meals with plenty of fluid. Do not crush. 

Prolonged treatment may be required.

Dosing 5-ASA once-daily can be considered for induction of remission and for maintenance.

Rectal suppository
(500 mg and 1000 mg)
1 suppository per rectum once daily at bedtime.

Rectal suspension (enema)
(2 g-4 g) 1 enema per rectum once daily at bedtime and retained during the entire rest period.

Best results with prolonged retention.

Salofalk® 4 g daily during acute episodes
Salofalk® 2 g daily to prevent relapse

DOSING - PEDIATRIC

Suggested dosing10: 
Oral mesalamine
60 to 80 mg/kg once daily to maximum 4.8 g daily

Rectal mesalamine
25 mg/kg up to 1 g daily

ROUTINE MONITORING

Not suitable for individuals with poor renal function and liver disease.

Comorbidities (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal disease, use of nephrotoxic drugs, and concomitant steroid therapy) should be assessed prior to starting treatment.

Baseline renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR, +/- 24-hours proteinuria), 3 times in the first year and then twice per year there after.

           

5-ASA: 5 -aminosalicylic acid, CBC: complete blood count, LTF: liver function test, eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate

Side Effects: 5-ASA

SIDE EFFECTS

For more detailed information regarding side effects, please refer to the appropriate product monograph.

Common Side Effects
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Paradoxical diarrhea
• Allergic hypersensitivity reactions causing rash and mild fever
• Possible decreased sperm count
• Sensitivity to the sun

Serious Side Effects
• Pericarditis
• Allergic interstitial nephritis
• Cytopenia
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatitis

           

Special Populations: 5-ASA

PEDIATRICS

Data supporting the use of 5-ASA therapy in the pediatric population is limited. Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use. 

Turner D. et al. suggest10:
  • Oral 5-ASA compounds are recommended as first-line induction and maintenance therapy for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis 
  • Combined oral and rectal 5-ASA therapy is more effective than oral 5-ASA monotherapy 
  • Rectal monotherapy should be reserved for mild-to-moderate ulcerative proctitis, an uncommon pediatric phenotype
  • When rectal therapy is used, 5-ASA is preferred over steroids

ELDERLY

Data supporting the use of 5-ASA therapy in the elderly is limited. Health Canada has not authorized an indication for geriatric use.  

Antanthakrishnan A. et al. suggest11: 
  • Their lack of systemic immunosuppressive effect has made them a frequently relied-on option for older patients
  • Rare complication of interstitial nephritis may be pertinent in older patients because of age-related decline in renal function
  • Careful monitoring is warranted
 
Concern with the elderly12:
  • Polypharmacy and complex regimens that may impact adherence and drug interactions
  • Sphincter incompetence and coordination skills to self-administer topical therapy

PREGNANCY

Coming soon

BREASTFEEDING

Coming soon

           

5-ASA: 5- aminosalicylic acid

This tool is intended for Canadian Healthcare Professionals. Copyright © 2025 CANIBD Canadian IBD Nurses.

Contact Us    Provider Resources     References

CANIBD and Crohn's and Colitis Canada do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this Service. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Content was developed in 2024 and is provided for informational purposes only.