Lialda (Mesalamine) from Maple Leaf Medications.

Lialda (mesalamine) Indications

Lialda, generic name mesalamine, is a prescription medication used to induce the remission of active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and as maintenance of remission for ulcerative colitis.

Lialda helps reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Lialda is classified as a locally acting 5-aminosalicylic acid. The action of this medication on ulcerative colitis is not fully known. However, it is thought to produce an anti-inflammatory effect by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.

Lialda (mesalamine) Uses and Dosage

Read the patient information guide before taking Lialda.

Always use Lialda exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Lialda is taken by mouth with a glass of water once daily with food. Do not break, divide, chew, or crush these delayed-release tablets. Create a dosing schedule to avoid missing a dose. Do not take this medication more often than prescribed.

Lialda (mesalamine) Side Effects

Side effects caused by Lialda are typically mild. Common side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Tiredness

If these side effects become unmanageable, the please consult your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

Taking Lialda may also lead to severe side effects, such as:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• Changes in the amount of urine
• Dark urine
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Report any severe adverse reaction that may occur to your healthcare provider right away.

Allergic Reactions

You must avoid taking Lialda if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients, especially mesalamine. Seek emergency intervention if an allergy develops while using this prescription medication. Signs of an allergy include:

• Hives
• Rashes
• Itching
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face and neck
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing

Lialda (mesalamine) Cautions

Lialda is not recommended for people with:

• Pyloric stenosis or any stomach blockage
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Do not give Lialda to children with any undiagnosed illness, chickenpox, or flu. This aspirin-like medication can put children at risk of Reye’s syndrome.

If pregnant, you must only use Lialda if strongly advised by the doctor. The effects of this medication during pregnancy are not fully known.

Lialda can pass through breast milk and may cause undesirable effects on breastfed babies.

Lialda (mesalamine) Form and Strength

Lialda is available as:

• Lialda, delayed-release tablets
  • 2 g

FAQ

Is Lialda safe for long-term use?

Lialda is safe for long-term use. It is typically used in the induction and maintenance of remission for ulcerative colitis.

Does Lialda cause weight loss?

Weight loss is not a reported side effect of Lialda. However, weight loss or gain is among the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Is Lialda an immunosuppressant?

Lialda produces an anti-inflammatory effect, yet it does not work the same way as corticosteroids. It does not also have an immunosuppressant effect like corticosteroids do.

Can I take Lialda without food?

Lialda must be taken with food. Taking this medication on an empty stomach can increase the chance of gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

Resources

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-147055/lialda-oral/details

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/022000s013lbl.pdf

https://www.goodrx.com/lialda/what-is#proper_use_dosing

https://www.rxlist.com/lialda-side-effects-drug-center.htm

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3098a080-be86-4265-9818-7fc4beab77b7