Canasa (Mesalamine)

What is Canasa?

Canasa is an anti-inflammatory drug, which is also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid. It has mesalamine as a chief ingredient, which is also its generic name.

What is Canasa used for?

Canasa is used for the treatment of proctitis, proctosigmoiditis and ulcerative colitis. It has proved to be very helpful in averting recurring symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

How does Canasa work?

Canasa works by blocking the production of the chemical responsible for inflammation, diarrhea and tissue damage.

How to use Canasa

While using the Canasa suppository, make sure that you handle them as little as possible as they melt at body temperature. These suppositories are to be used twice a day.

From the set of suppositories, take out one suppository. Remove the wrapper carefully while holding the suppository straight.

Taking the pointed end, insert it gently into the rectum. You can use a lubricant as well towards the pointed end to make insertion easy.

For best results, retain the Canasa suppository for 1 to 3 hours.

Other forms of medication include Rowasa Suspension Enema and Canasa Suppositories with sulfasalazine.

Canasa warnings and precautions

Before using Canasa make sure that you ask your doctor for a kidney test. If you are a kidney patient and are taking other anti-inflammatory drugs, you are advised to go for a kidney test.

People above the age of 65 years tend to have weaker kidneys. Therefore, they must consult the doctor if they face any problems or notice any change in their eating habits or daily routine.

People allergic to sulfasalazine should be very cautious. If they happen to see body rashes or feel feverish, they are suggested to instantly quit the dose and check with a physician.

These suppositories have salicylates as one of the ingredient, so people allergic to it or vegetable fat must consult their doctors before using the Canasa suppositories.

Lactating women and expecting mothers too are recommended to check with the doctor before taking this medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Canasa dose?

If you have missed your Canasa dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. It is advised to take it when you have time to lie down. Do not try to make up for the missed dose and if it is time for the next dose, then go for it.

What do I do if I have taken a Canasa overdose?

If you have taken a Canasa overdose, you should instantly seek medical attention. Though it is not fatal but if you think you have had more of it, consulting your doctor is a must.

Canasa interactions

Canasa may or may not interact with other drugs, so we advise you to kindly consult your doctor before taking any other prescription of countering drugs. These drugs may be herbal products, minerals, vitamins or any other medicines prescribed by any other doctor. Also, to ensure perfect health do not make changes in your dosage without seeking an expert advice.

Certain diabetic medications like the acetazolamide, probenecid, methotrexate, etc, are likely to react with Canasa.

Canasa side effects

The side effects for Canasa generally include headache, gas, nausea, pain, hair loss, fever, constipation, dizziness and diarrhea.

It is though not definite that everyone faces side effects of the drug, but as these cannot be anticipated so it is advisable to always be cautious. If you notice any change in effects or impact, check with your doctor instantly.

Some other normal side effects include muscle pain, rashes, sweating, sore throat, swelling, itching, fever, stomach and intestinal bleeding, vomiting, weakness, hair loss, constipation, acne, rectal pain, menstrual problems etc.