Mesacol 800: price, uses & cheaper substitutes

Take Mesacol 800 DR with or just after food, at the same time each day, unless your doctor says otherwise. Swallow it whole – crushing or chewing destroys the coating that carries the medicine to the colon.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition and mesalamine is usually continued for years to prevent flares. Stopping when you feel well is the commonest reason for relapse, so only stop on your doctor's advice.

Both contain mesalamine; 800 mg simply means fewer tablets per day for the same total dose. Your gastroenterologist decides the daily dose based on how severe your disease is.

There is no direct drug interaction, but alcohol can irritate the gut and trigger colitis symptoms. Keep it occasional and small.