Lialda (mesalamine) is a medication used to manage ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease), proctitis (rectal inflammation) and proctosigmoiditis (rectal and lower intestinal inflammation). According to MedlinePlus, Lialda is an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents your body from making substances that cause redness, swelling and irritation. Typically, you will take two to four 1.2g tablets once a day with meals, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 177 patients taking Lialda, the National Library of Medicine found that 5.6 percent developed a headache, 4 percent had flatulence (gas) and 0.6 percent developed pruritis (itching) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (a type of liver enzyme). Drugs.com indicates that Lialda can also cause constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea cause you to lose water. Drink nine to ten glasses of water daily to replace your lost fluids.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus indicates that Lialda may cause such life-threatening side effects as chest pain and trouble breathing. Lialda can also cause melena (black stools), frequent urination, bloody urine, confusion and swelling of your body. Melena is typically a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, while bloody urine may be a sign of urinary tract inflammation. In the same study, the National Library of Medicine reported that thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts), hypotension (low blood pressure) and pancreatitis occured in less than 1 percent of the studied patients. Thrombocytopenia makes you susceptible to easy bruising or bleeding, while hypotension can lead to fainting spells. Symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas) include stomach pain that radiates to your back, fatigue, nausea and asthenia (physical weakness). Phone your physician immediately when Lialda causes these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Lialda if you are allergic to mesalamine or any other anti-inflammatory agents, as it can lead to facial or tongue swelling and difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney problems. Your physician may have to adjust your Lialda dose to make it safe for you to take. Avoid combining Lialda with such drugs as pentamidine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, acyclovir or rifampin, says Drugs.com. These drug combinations can cause the aforementioned effects.
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