How Does Pentasa Work?
One of the more common drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis is Pentasa® (mesalamine), a medication that comes in capsule form and is typically taken four times a day. Because this is a controlled-release product, the medicine is slowly released into the gastrointestinal tract over time.
Pentasa works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. Specifically, this medicine decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. In clinical trials, people taking Pentasa had fewer ulcerative colitis symptoms, compared to those not taking it.
(Click Pentasa to learn more about how this drug works, what you need to know before beginning treatment, and what to discuss with your healthcare provider.)