Generic name:mesalamine
Dosage form: oral delayed-release capsule
Drug class:5-aminosalicylates
What is Delzicol?
Delzicol (mesalamine) belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates, which are used to treat gut inflammation. It helps to treat and prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that your own immune system attacks your gut, causing swelling and ulcers in your colon and rectum.
Delzicol reduces the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. It's thought its anti-inflammatory action comes from its ability to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and inhibit prostaglandin production in the colon. COX and prostaglandins (a group of lipids) are both involved in generating an inflammatory response.
Delzicol comes as a delay-release capsule that only dissolves at a PH of 7 or greater, which means that the drug is released directly into the terminal ileum and colon beyond, where it anti-inflammatory action is needed.
Delzicol was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. A generic version of Delzicol has subsequently been approved.
What is Delzicol used for?
Delzicol is a prescription medication used for the:
- Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients 5 years of ago and older
- Maintenance of remission in adults with ulcerative colitis
Who should not take Delzicol?
Do not take Delzicol if you are:
- Allergic to salicylates or aminosalicylates, such as aspirin or medications that contain aspirin.
- Allergic to any of the ingredients of Delzicol. See below for a full list of ingredients in Delzicol.
