Delzicol (Mesalamine)

Do’s

• The dosage of Delzicol is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. 
• Different brands of this medication provide different amounts of medication. If you need to switch brands, ask your healthcare provider how to do so safely.
• Take Delzicol by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 3 times daily. Swallow the capsule whole. 
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and swallow the tablets found in the capsule. Be sure to swallow all of the tablets.
• Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with Delzicol unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. This will help prevent kidney stones.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Don’ts

• Do not crush, chew, or break the capsule, as doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon.
• Do not cut, crush, chew, or break the tablets found inside the capsule before swallowing.

Common Side Effects: 

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas

Serious Side Effects: 

• Severe stomach pain
• Cramping
• Fever
• Headache
• Bloody diarrhea

These serious side effects should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately if experienced.

Allergic Reactions: 

Allergic reactions to Delzicol are rare but can occur. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Promptly report any unusual or concerning symptoms to a healthcare provider while taking Delzicol.

Delzicol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the ingredients of Delzicol.

Renal impairment, including minimal change disease, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, and renal failure, has been reported in patients taking products such as Delzicol that contain mesalamine or are converted to mesalamine. Monitor patients with known renal impairment or a history of renal disease or taking nephrotoxic drugs for decreased renal function and mesalamine-related adverse reactions. Discontinue Delzicol if renal function deteriorates while on therapy.

Use of Delzicol may lead to spuriously elevated test results when measuring urinary normetanephrine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Consider an alternative, selective assay for normetanephrine.

For pediatric patients 5 years of age and older, the recommended total daily dosage of Delzicol is weight-based, divided into two daily doses for a duration of 6 weeks. Follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions for pediatric use.

Discuss these warnings and precautions with a healthcare provider before initiating treatment with Delzicol.