Mesalin

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Mesalin

Property Description
Active ingredient Estradiol (as Estradiol Benzoate)
Form Injectable Solution
Pharmacological Class Estrogen; Hormone Replacement Agent
Typical Use Managing states of hormone deficiency
Origin Synthetic, Bioidentical Steroid Hormone

What Type of Medicine is Mesalin and What Does it Contain?

Mesalin is a single-ingredient pharmaceutical preparation classified as a Hormone Replacement Agent used to supplement the body's primary female sex hormone. The high-level pharmacological class is Estrogen, encompassing a group of steroid hormones. Its active component is Estradiol, typically administered as the ester Estradiol Benzoate.

The core of the medicine involves providing a substance that is chemically recognized as bioidentical to the natural 17beta -Estradiol produced endogenously in the human body. This active substance functions as an Estrogen Receptor Agonist, which is clinically recognized for its ability to restore essential hormonal signaling pathways. The therapeutic goal of providing Estradiol is to replace hormone function when the body produces insufficient amounts.

Mesalin’s Pharmaceutical Form and General Purpose

Mesalin is supplied specifically as an injectable solution designed for intramuscular administration, with the active Estradiol Benzoate dissolved in an oil base. This particular form, combined with the benzoate ester, is a differentiating factor, as it creates a depot that ensures a slow, stable release of the active ingredient, offering a sustained hormonal effect over an extended period.

The general therapeutic purpose of Mesalin is to provide consistent hormonal support in states where the body experiences insufficient or absent levels of natural estrogen, a condition technically termed hypoestrogenism. This type of therapy is typically directed towards adult females experiencing symptoms or conditions tied to low estrogen. By reliably restoring systemic Estradiol levels, the therapy aims to re-establish the essential physiological balance required for the proper function of estrogen-dependent systems.

Regulatory References

  1. NCI Thesaurus

What side effects are possible with Mesalin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Mesalin (mesalamine) is based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance as documented in governmental regulatory labels. The side effects reflect the drug’s potential impact across various body systems.

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

The following are considered serious or clinically significant adverse reactions requiring particular caution:

  • Acute Intolerance Syndrome: Symptoms, which can be difficult to distinguish from an exacerbation of the underlying inflammatory bowel disease, include cramping, acute abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash. Prompt discontinuation of the medication is typically required if this syndrome is suspected.
  • Renal Impairment: Cases of renal dysfunction, including interstitial nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, have been reported. Caution is advised when administering Mesalin to patients with pre-existing impaired renal function, and monitoring of renal status is necessary, particularly at the start of treatment.
  • Myocarditis and Pericarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the lining of the heart (pericarditis) have been reported.
  • Blood Dyscrasias: Blood problems such as agranulocytosis and neutropenia have been reported. Patients concurrently taking myelotoxic agents, such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, may be at increased risk.

Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include gastrointestinal effects and nervous system disorders. These may be classified as 'common' (occurring in 1/100 to 1/10 patients) in official documents.

System Organ Class Examples of Common Reactions
Gastrointestinal Flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Nervous System Headache
Skin Rash, itching

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

Elderly patients are more likely to experience certain adverse effects, such as blood problems and age-related organ dysfunction (kidney, liver, or heart disease), which may necessitate caution and potential dose adjustments. Use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding requires careful assessment of benefits against potential risks, as regulatory data in these specific populations may not fully inform the potential for infant risk or teratogenic effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Mesalin Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents define the acute overdose profile for Mesalin (Estradiol) based on documented clinical signs and mandated emergency actions. Acute overexposure is generally classified as leading to effects that are mild and self-limiting in nature.

Overdose Manifestations Regulator-Mandated Actions
Nausea and vomiting Seek immediate medical attention
Breast tenderness (Mastalgia) Contact a poison control center
Vaginal bleeding (Withdrawal bleeding) Symptomatic and supportive treatment only

Overdose may present with common gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, as well as signs associated with hormone excess, such as breast tenderness or pain. In females with an intact uterus, withdrawal bleeding or spotting is a further documented manifestation.

The regulatory basis confirms that no specific antidote is known for Estradiol overdose, and treatment is therefore defined as symptomatic and supportive. Regulatory authorities require that any individual with suspected overdose or significant accidental overexposure must seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Clinical observation and monitoring may be required by medical professionals to observe the resolution of the documented, non-severe symptoms following the overexposure. This mandatory guidance ensures appropriate management based on the official regulatory context.

Therapeutic Uses of Mesalin

What Mesalin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Mesalin is generally considered relevant for use in situations involving certain symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. Symptomatic management in this therapeutic domain may be relevant for easing physical manifestations that interfere with daily comfort.

The medication may be part of symptomatic management for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as examples of symptoms related to persistent discomfort, swelling, or restricted physical mobility. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. In these contexts, “Mesalin assists with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.”

Mesalin is often used when symptoms intensify and additional symptomatic assistance is appropriate, helping to address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. The use is relevant when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed during acute episodes or for supporting comfort in chronic, fluctuating manifestations.

Quick Fact: Focus on Physical Discomfort and Swelling
Mesalin is commonly applied in scenarios where symptoms lead to temporary functional strain, contributing to general comfort and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview of an anti-inflammatory drug class

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Mesalin

This section summarizes the official population eligibility and non-eligibility rules for Mesalin, as documented in governmental regulatory sources.

Eligibility Scope
Populations for whom use is allowed: Adult women being treated for conditions related to low estrogen levels (hypoestrogenism).
Populations for whom use is not recommended: Women who are breastfeeding and the pediatric population (children and adolescents under 18 years of age).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Individuals with a history of breast cancer or estrogen-dependent tumors; a history of blood clots (DVT/PE) or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (stroke/MI); undiagnosed genital bleeding; active liver disease; or known hypersensitivity to the ingredients.

Age- and Condition-Based Rules
Age-related eligibility rules: Use is not established and not recommended in pediatric patients. Experience is limited in women older than 65.
Condition-specific eligibility rules: Contraindicated in patients with thrombophilic disorders and in cases of severe hepatic impairment.
Pregnancy and lactation status: Contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding.

Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

The regulatory documents define eligibility by placing absolute prohibitions (contraindications) on populations with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers and established cardiovascular or clotting disorders. Use is further restricted or not recommended for groups where the drug's safety profile is not fully established, such as children, or when physiological states like pregnancy pose unacceptable risks, ensuring the profile remains strictly focused on labeled exclusion criteria.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Mesalin Interactions with other medicines and products

When using Mesalin (Mesalazine), the concurrent use of certain other medications requires careful monitoring due to the potential for drug-drug interactions, as documented in official regulatory labeling.


Interacting Medicinal Products and Categories

Product Category Specific Medicines Interaction Risk / Mechanism
Thiopurines (Immunosuppressants) Azathioprine, 6-Mercaptopurine, Thioguanine Enhanced Myelosuppressive Effects—There is an increased risk of blood disorders (e.g., severe leucopenia) due to potential inhibition of the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) by mesalazine. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is required.
Nephrotoxic Agents Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen Increased Risk of Renal Toxicity—The combined use of Mesalin with other medicines known to affect kidney function may increase the risk of adverse renal reactions. Renal function should be monitored closely.
Anticoagulants Warfarin and other Coumarin derivatives Potentiation of Anticoagulant Effect—Mesalazine may increase the effect of these medicines, raising the risk of bleeding or hemorrhage.
Laxatives Lactulose or similar preparations Reduced Efficacy—Preparations that lower the stool pH may prevent the appropriate release of Mesalazine from delayed-release tablets, potentially reducing the drug's intended action in the colon.

Official Interaction Statement Summary

Mesalazine, as a salicylate derivative, carries specific warnings regarding co-administration. The most clinically significant interactions involve medicines metabolized by TPMT (thiopurines) and those that may also impact kidney function (NSAIDs). These combinations require the treating physician to institute close patient monitoring, potentially including blood cell count adjustments or renal function testing, to manage the increased risk of toxicity.

Mechanism of Action

Mesalin is a compound structurally classified as a phenylethylamine, which exerts its effects by engaging multiple neurotransmitter systems, primarily in the central nervous system.


Modulation of Serotonin Receptors

Mesalin acts primarily as a partial agonist at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. This engagement initiates signaling sequences within cortical neurons, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which are densely expressed and involved in cortical circuit activity. This specific interaction is the core mechanism that shapes its central pathway effects.


Secondary Monoamine System Engagement

The drug’s phenylethylamine structure allows it to interact with a range of other monoamine receptors, including other serotonin subtypes (like 5-HT2C) and certain adrenergic and dopamine receptors. This broader engagement contributes to an intricate cascade of pathway effects, resulting in modulation of activity across various monoamine-sensitive brain circuits.


Sympathomimetic Pathway Activation

Mesalin affects systems regulated by adrenergic pathways, leading to increased sympathetic pathway outflow. This is mediated by interactions with adrenergic receptors and potentially the release of certain endogenous neurotransmitters, resulting in modulation of peripheral cardiovascular receptor activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instructions for Using Mesalamine (Mesalin)

This section outlines the administration and dosing guidelines for mesalamine and should not be considered medical advice.


Administration and Dosing

Mesalamine is administered via the oral route (as tablets or capsules) or the rectal route (as suppositories or enemas), depending on the specific product formulation and prescribed regimen.

Administration Detail Official Regulatory Guidelines
Route of Administration Oral or Rectal.
Dosing Schedule Highly variable: ranges from 800 mg three times daily up to 4.8 g once daily for adults; weight-based dosing is used for certain pediatric patients. Rectal suppositories are typically 1000 mg once daily.
Timing Relative to Meals Varies by product: some oral forms must be taken with a meal, others on an empty stomach, and some with or without food. Follow product-specific instructions precisely.
Preparation Swallow tablets/capsules whole; do not crush, cut, or chew unless a product-specific instruction allows sprinkling capsule contents on soft food. Rectal suppositories must not be cut or broken.

Procedural Rules and Constraints

Procedural Rule Official Regulatory Guidelines
Age-Group Rules Dosing varies between adults and pediatric patients (typically 5 years and older) who may require weight-based dosing.
Missed-Dose Take the missed dose as soon as possible, but do not double the dose (take two at once) to compensate.
Special Conditions Renal function must be evaluated prior to the start of therapy and periodically thereafter. Patients must drink adequate fluids. Rectal suppositories should be retained for one to three hours or longer; typically administered at bedtime.

The official administration protocol for mesalamine involves careful adherence to the prescribed route and timing, which dictates if the dose is taken with or without food. The procedural requirements emphasize mandatory renal monitoring and product-specific handling instructions to ensure the drug is administered correctly.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Mesalin

Mesalin is an injectable form of estradiol, an active substance that has been studied extensively in regulatory and scientific research. The research explores its use in the context of studying hormone replacement and in symptomatic conditions. The evidence base for this medicine is built on research into two primary clinical contexts.


Evidence for Use in Restorative Hormone Therapy (Hypoestrogenism)

This section summarizes the large body of evidence that established the foundational role of systemic estradiol replacement. The research examined outcomes related to hormone deficiency. The research base includes major Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive Systematic Reviews that compared the active substance to a placebo or no treatment. These studies were used in research exploring how symptoms change over time and how they are measured.

Research evaluated whether the active substance was associated with outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms). Studies monitored changes in physiological endpoints like bone mineral density (BMD) over several years. The main populations evaluated in this research were postmenopausal women and women with other conditions leading to a substantial hormone deficiency. While the overall research data for the active substance are well-established, limited information for long-term outcomes is available specifically for this exact depot injection formulation.


Evidence for Symptomatic Assistance in Physical Discomfort

This area of research is relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns, focusing on symptomatic support in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations, such as those involving physical discomfort and inflammatory or irritative states. The research base includes laboratory and foundational studies (largely using animal models) and Pilot Clinical Studies in small groups of adult women. Research examined outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states, such as changes in specific inflammatory markers and patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Evidence is limited for this specific use, and a significant portion of the evidence is derived from animal models, meaning the direct connection to the human experience is still being explored.

Key Studies & References

  1. Annotation of FDA Label for estradiol valerate (DELESTROGEN) - NDA 009402

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Mesalin (FAQ)

Q: Does Mesalin interact with ibuprofen or warfarin?

A: Official information indicates that Mesalin may interact with both ibuprofen and warfarin. Concurrent use with ibuprofen (a type of NSAID) may increase the risk of adverse effects on the kidneys, requiring close monitoring of kidney function. When taken with warfarin, Mesalin may potentiate the effect of the anticoagulant, which could increase the risk of bleeding or hemorrhage. The product label states that close patient monitoring is required when these combinations are used.

Q: What happens if the Mesalin injectable solution gets cold and forms crystals?

A: If the oily solution is exposed to low temperatures and develops crystals, official instructions state they can typically be redissolved. If crystals form, they can be redissolved by warming and shaking the vial, as described in the product information.

Q: Who should not take this medicine?

A: Contraindications and restrictions for Mesalin are outlined in the official product information. The medicine is generally not established or recommended for use in the pediatric population. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Contraindications listed in the product label include a history of certain cancers (like breast cancer), blood clotting disorders, or active liver disease.

Q: Is it OK for pregnant women to use Mesalin?

A: According to official regulatory information, Mesalin is contraindicated for use during pregnancy. This restriction is in place because the safety profile for the fetus has not been fully established, and available data may not fully inform the potential for infant risk or teratogenic (causing birth defects) effects.

Q: How do I dispose of my used Mesalin needles and syringes?

A: All used needles and syringes must be placed immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Once this container is about three-quarters full, disposal should follow community guidelines, which vary by local authority. These often include supervised drop-off sites or special mail-back programs.

Q: What conditions is Mesalin (mesalamine) used to treat?

A: Regulatory documents state that mesalamine is indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. Its indicated uses are the induction of remission and the maintenance of remission in patients with this inflammatory bowel disease.

Q: Can Mesalin (mesalamine) cause heart problems?

A: Official safety information reports that serious hypersensitivity reactions, including heart inflammation, have been associated with the use of mesalamine. These include myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart). Patients are advised to seek appropriate evaluation if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected.

Q: Is there an age limit for taking Mesalin?

A: The drug is indicated for use in adults and certain pediatric patients who meet specific criteria. Experience is limited in women older than 65 years of age, and use in children younger than 5 is generally not established. Eligibility depends on the specific product formulation and a healthcare professional's assessment.

How should Mesalin be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for Mesalin

The Mesalin (Estradiol Benzoate injectable solution) vial must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), and must not exceed 25 C. To maintain stability, the product must be protected from light and kept in its original carton until the time of use.

Stability and Handling

If the oily solution is exposed to low temperatures and develops crystals, they can be redissolved by warming and shaking the vial. If the Mesalin is supplied as a multi-dose vial, it must be discarded 28 days after the first dose is withdrawn.

Disposal of Unused Medicine and Sharps

Unused or expired Mesalin should ideally be disposed of via a Drug Take-Back Program. All used needles and syringes must be placed immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. The medicine must be kept out of the reach of children.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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