The generic drug Mesalamine is marketed in the United States under the brand name Asacol. The drug is typically administered orally to relieve the excess acid produced by some gastrointestinal disorders. Although other conditions may justify its use, the medication is often used for duodenal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD, sometimes referred to as acid reflux disease, results when stomach acid or bile rises from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the connecting passageway between the mouth and the stomach. Virtually all adults have experienced acid indigestion or heartburn at one time or another. However, GERD occurs more than twice a week, and over-the-counter antacids and dietary modifications are of little or no help. Sometimes, the patient is in sufficient distress that his normal lifestyle is affected.
The upper small intestine is called the duodenum. Duodenal ulcers are basically sores that form in the duodenum and, due to constant irritation, do not heal well. Duodenal, esophageal, and stomach ulcers are typically referred to as peptic ulcers. If the physician suspects the ulcers cause is a bacterium, he may prescribe antibiotics along with an acid reducer.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare, but troublesome, condition caused by tumors of the duodenum or the pancreas and bordering lymph nodes. The tumors themselves produce gastrin, which is a hormone that causes the patient’s stomach to produce an abundance of acid. Ulcers often form due to the excessive acid production. A true cure requires the removal of the tumors through surgery, but medications are often prescribed to ease the patient’s pain.
Without treatment, gastrointestinal disorders involving excess acid production can cause ulcers of the esophagus or stomach. Pain is often the symptom commonly reported to physicians. However, over time, the ulcers may lead to scarring, which may cause difficulty passing food throughout the entire digestive system, beginning with the esophagus. If they bleed internally, anemia can result or more severe complications may arise. Should the ulcers breach the intestine or stomach wall, life-threatening infections can result.
Patients with gastric conditions in which an excess of stomach acid is produced may benefit from drugs that are proton pump inhibitors. This class of drugs, decreases the acid output of the stomach. While the drugs may not cure the underlying cause, as with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, they can bring the patient relief from the pain.
Like all forms of medications, Asacol may cause side effects such as bigger risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures especially for individuals aged 50 and above and for patients who are prescribed with high dosages or those who have been taking the medicine for more than a year. Intestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation and excessive gas can also be experienced along with the less typical ones such as fatigue, painful urination, water retention and rapid changes in weight.
Farai Otieno is dedicated for the advancement of well being as well as ailment prohibition. The writer has tirelessly researched Asacol and related remedy alternatives. Once you have attempted some other remedies without any success, Asacol could just be very good for you.