Google
 
Web www.vitaminlore.com
www.eniva.com

Mesalamine

Also indexed as: Asacol®, Mesalazine, Pentasa®, Rowasa®

Mesalamine is used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis and to prevent recurrence.

Interactions with Herbs

Psyllium (Plantago ovata)
Taking 20 grams of psyllium seeds together with mesalamine for 12 months was more effective at maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis than taking either the drug or herb alone.1 People taking mesalamine should consult with their healthcare practitioner to determine whether they should add psyllium seeds to their treat regimen.

Summary of Interactions for Mesalamine

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction Psyllium
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Fernandez-Banares F, Hinojosa J, Sanchez-Lombrana JL, et al. Randomized clinical trial of Plantago ovata seeds (dietary fiber) as compared with mesalamine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Spanish Group for the Study of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU). Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:427–33.