How should I take Pentasa (Mesalamine capsule, extended release) (Mesalamine)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take mesalamine with a full glass of water. Mesalamine can usually be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Mesalamine extended-release capsules(Lialda) should be taken with a meal. Do not crush, break, or chew a mesalamine tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. The extended-release capsule is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines. Breaking the pill may cause the drug to be released too early in the digestive tract. The enteric-coated tablet has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool. Store mesalamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
