Mesalazine Side Effects in Pakistan

A complete guide to the side effects of Mesalazine. From common effects to serious warnings — everything you need to know is on this page.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Mesalazine include abdominal pain, nausea, and headache. Serious effects such as kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) or blood disorders require immediate medical attention. Kidney function should be monitored regularly during treatment. Contact your doctor if any side effect persists or worsens.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea
Headache

Serious — See a Doctor

Mesalazine-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
Blood disorders (agranulocytosis — rare)
Serious skin reactions or worsening of colitis (rare paradoxical reaction)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Worsening diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or blood in stool during treatment
Reduced urination, swelling, or unusual tiredness (signs of kidney problems)
Severe rash, fever, or difficulty breathing

Mesalazine Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Mesalazine (mesalazine / 5-aminosalicylic acid) is generally well-tolerated but requires regular monitoring due to the risk of kidney effects.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea
Headache

These side effects are usually mild. If they continue, inform your doctor.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Mesalazine-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) — see a doctor immediately
Blood disorders (agranulocytosis — rare) — see a doctor immediately
Serious skin reactions or worsening of colitis — see a doctor immediately

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Worsening diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or blood in stool during treatment
Reduced urination, swelling, or unusual tiredness (signs of kidney problems)
Severe rash, fever, or difficulty breathing

Warnings and Precautions (Ihtiyat)

Do not use Mesalazine if you are allergic to mesalazine or any salicylate
Kidney function should be monitored regularly during treatment

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Abdominal pain	Monitor / inform doctor
Common	Nausea	Monitor / inform doctor
Common	Headache	Monitor / inform doctor
Serious	Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)	See a doctor immediately
Serious	Blood disorders	See a doctor immediately

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Mesalazine?

The most commonly reported side effects of Mesalazine include abdominal discomfort and nausea. These are usually mild. Inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Can Mesalazine cause allergic reactions?

Yes, Mesalazine can cause hypersensitivity reactions including rash and very rarely serious skin reactions. Stop use and seek medical help immediately if you notice a rash, fever, or difficulty breathing.

Is Mesalazine safe to take for a long time?

Long-term use of Mesalazine is common in ulcerative colitis. Regular kidney function monitoring is required during long-term treatment. Your doctor will advise based on monitoring results.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Mesalazine?

For mild side effects, inform your pharmacist. For serious effects such as kidney symptoms or worsening of colitis, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Does Mesalazine affect the liver or kidneys?

Mesalazine can occasionally cause kidney damage (nephrotoxicity), especially with long-term use. Regular kidney function tests are recommended. Your doctor will advise based on your test results.

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Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.