Asacol (mesalamine) affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea. Asacol is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Asacol is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring. Asacol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

You should not use Asacol if you are allergic to mesalamine or to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan`s Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).
Before you take Asacol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis, a heart condition such as congestive heart failure, or a history of allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
Do not crush, break, or chew a Asacol tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. It is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines.
Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.
Stop using Asacol and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Asacol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Asacol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.
Less serious Asacol side effects may include:
mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas;
fever, sore throat, or other flu symptoms;
constipation;
headache or dizziness;
tired feeling; or
skin rash.

Take Asacol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Asacol with a full glass of water.
Asacol can usually be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor`s instructions.
Do not crush, break, or chew a Asacol tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
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 Asacol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.