Lialda and/or Equivalents

Lialda (mesalamine)

Lialda Description

Lialda (mesalamine) is a licensed medication used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by inhibiting the formation of the chemicals, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are responsible for the inflammation in the colon lining. Lialda is available in the form of tablets that have a delayed-release coating. Due to this coating, it does not dissolve until it reaches the colon.

Conditions Treated by Lialda

Lialda is prescribed for adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis results in ulcers and inflammation in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. The common symptoms of this disease are pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and feelings of uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel movement. Lialda is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate forms of ulcerative colitis. It is effective in reducing the abovementioned symptoms associated with the disease. As of now, surgery is the only cure for ulcerative colitis. Lialda, on the other hand, helps alleviate the disease as well as prevent a relapse. Lialda is not prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis in children. You must consult your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of recommending this drug for children. The treatment of ulcerative colitis is the primary use of Lialda. Lialda may also be recommended to treat other diseases. This alternative use is termed as an off-label use. Currently Crohn’s disease is an off-label use of Lialda.

Lialda Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The dosage of Lialda prescribed by your healthcare provider is subjective to various factors. It depends on your current medical condition and other illnesses you might have. It also depends on other medications you may have been put on. Generally, the recommended dosage of Lialda is a total of 2-4 tablets to be taken once a day. This amounts to 2.4 to 4.8 grams of dosage. You must take the medicine along with a meal. Lialda tablets have a special delayed-release coating so that they do not dissolve until they reach the colon. So, simply swallow the tablet without cutting, chewing or crushing it; or else, the coating will be damaged. Make sure that you take the tablet at the same time every day throughout the course of the treatment. This is important for two reasons. One, it keeps the cycle going. Two, it maintains a uniform composition of the blood. You must follow the dosage guidelines prescribed by your healthcare provider. As is the case with any other prescription drug, do not make adjustments to your dosage without consulting your doctor. Do not discontinue the intake of the medicine on your own. Complete the full-course as prescribed by your healthcare provider to avoid the chance of a relapse.

b.) Missing a Dose

In case you have missed a dose, take it the moment you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, wait until your next regularly scheduled time to resume your dose. You must never double up to make up for the missed dose.

c.)  Overdosing

The effects of Lialda overdose depend on the quantity of the medicine taken. They also depend on other medications that may have been taken along with Lialda. The symptoms associated with Lialda overdose are ringing or buzzing in the ears (technically called as Tinnitus), vertigo (meaning dizziness), confusion, excessive sweating, drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea. Overdosing of Lialda may also result in hyperventilation, which is abnormal increase in the rate of breathing. The treatment for Lialda overdose depends on the time elapsed since the overdose. If you seek the treatment immediately after the overdose, then a healthcare provider may put a tube in your stomach to suck out the medicine. Alternatively you may be given some drugs that eliminate the medication. However, if you are late in receiving medical help, Lialda may get absorbed in your body. As a result, it will be difficult to get rid of the drug. In that case, the treatment involves controlling the effects of overdose. This is called supportive treatment. It involves administering Intravenous fluids. It also includes treatments for specific complications that arise due to Lialda overdose.

Lialda Warnings

You must be well acquainted with certain warnings before you start taking Lialda. Lialda is not quite helpful for adults with pyloric stenosis because this disease inhibits the absorption of Lialda in the colon. Lialda may even exacerbate ulcerative colitis. If you see that the symptoms have aggravated, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Lialda may result in kidney damage. It is very important to get your kidney tested before starting this medication. Your healthcare provider will administer a blood test to check the functioning of your kidney. This test must be scheduled periodically as you take Lialda. Lialda is strictly proscribed for people with kidney disease, especially renal failure. As is the case with kidney failure, Lialda is not completely safe for adults with liver disease. If you have liver damage or cirrhosis, then you must discuss with your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Lialda may or may not be safe for pregnant women. As with any other medication, you must not take Lialda during pregnancy- without the supervision of your doctor. Lialda can be transferred through breast milk. Therefore consult your doctor before starting this medication if you are going to breastfeed.

Lialda Side Effects

Most people are tolerant of Lialda and show no side-effects. But even if the side-effects occur, they can be completely treated by your healthcare provider. The most common side-effects of Lialda are headaches, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, and abdominal bloating. People who were put on Lialda took a blood test which showed abnormal liver functioning. Also Lialda is known to aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in those who had shown no symptoms prior to this medication. The less common side effects include backaches, shakiness and weakness. The side-effects demanding immediate medical attention include high BP, allergic reactions, and decrease in urine output.

Lialda Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may occur as a result of taking other medications with Lialda. Combining Lialda with digoxin can inhibit the absorption of the latter. Lialda can also reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. The effects of these interactions can be considerably reduced by altering the dosage of Lialda.

If you have any questions about buying discount Lialda online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Lialda and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information