Xalazin

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Xalazin

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 Xalazin

What is Xalazin? (Mesalazine)

Property Description
Active ingredient Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA)
Form Oral (tablets, granules) and Rectal (suppositories, enemas)
Pharmacological class Aminosalicylate
Common purpose Managing chronic intestinal inflammation
Origin Synthetic compound

Mesalazine: Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Xalazin is a prescription-only medicine containing the sole active ingredient Mesalazine, which is chemically defined as 5-aminosalicylic acid or 5-ASA. This compound is classified within the pharmacological class of Aminosalicylates, known for its targeted anti-inflammatory properties.

Mesalazine is a synthetic, single-ingredient product, and the specific Xalazin formulations are used in adult patient groups. Mesalazine represents the non-sulfated anti-inflammatory component essential for its efficacy. This identity as an aminosalicylate defines its therapeutic role as a compound focused on mitigating inflammation within the gut lining.

What is the General Therapeutic Purpose of Xalazin?

The general therapeutic purpose of Xalazin is to manage the chronic, destructive inflammation characteristic of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), without detailing specific disease types. Its action is designed to provide a localized anti-inflammatory effect focused specifically on the mucosal lining of the bowel.

5-aminosalicylic acid preparations are used in the management of inflammatory conditions of the colon. This means the medicine is intended for controlling the underlying cause of chronic irritation and swelling in the intestinal tract. A typical use scenario involves stabilizing a patient during periods of active inflammation. The core function involves the 5-ASA compound working locally to suppress the production of inflammatory mediators.

The Available Pharmaceutical Preparations of Mesalazine

Xalazin is formulated into several distinct dosage forms to ensure the active compound is delivered to specific areas within the gut. The route of administration can be either oral or rectal.

These diverse preparations include oral formulations, such as controlled-release tablets and extended-release granules, which use specialized coatings to delay the release of 5-ASA until it reaches the lower gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, rectal formulations, including suppositories and enemas, provide direct delivery of the active Mesalazine compound to the terminal sections of the colon, a delivery strategy used for distal disease.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH Review on Mesalamine/5-ASA

What side effects are possible with Xalazin?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Mesalazine (Xalazin) is established by regulatory documents, which classify documented adverse reactions by frequency and the organ systems affected. These official classifications range from effects noted as common to those considered very rare.

Frequency and Systemic Classification

Side effects frequently reported include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, primarily affecting the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal Tract. Uncommon effects may include dizziness, rash, and fever. Rare or very rare adverse reactions, which are serious, are also documented. These include inflammation of the heart (pericarditis or myocarditis), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and serious effects on the blood (agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia), kidneys (interstitial nephritis), and liver (hepatitis).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

A specific, serious reaction highlighted in regulatory labeling is the Mesalazine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome, characterized by symptoms like severe abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea that may mimic an IBD flare-up, and is documented as possibly appearing within days to weeks of treatment initiation. Rare but severe skin reactions (SCARs) are also documented.

Usage of Xalazin is officially contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to salicylates or to any component of the formulation. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing severe renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment, which constitutes a primary safety limitation. Caution is also advised when the medicine is used in older adults.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Suspected or confirmed ingestion of Xalazin (Mesalazine) beyond the prescribed regimen requires that an individual seek immediate medical attention. The official regulatory profile describes the documented signs and the specific severe risks associated with high systemic exposure.

Domain Official Regulatory Description
Documented Manifestations Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the primary acute symptoms listed in regulatory labeling.
Severe Outcome Risk Potential for acute renal failure and hepatotoxicity has been reported following administration of high doses.
Population Notes Caution is advised for patients with pre-existing renal impairment due to increased susceptibility to adverse systemic effects.

Required Emergency Actions and Procedural Notes:

  • Management of overdose is officially defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment.
  • No specific antidote is known for mesalazine overdose according to prescribing information.
  • The mandated procedural steps include maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and continuous monitoring of renal function and acid-base status, reflecting the known organ toxicity risks.

The regulatory documents define the overdose scenario by listing common gastrointestinal symptoms alongside the severe, life-threatening organ risks, such as renal failure, which compel the instruction to seek immediate medical attention. The required management is non-specific, focusing entirely on essential supportive measures and continuous observation as dictated by the regulatory safety profile.

Therapeutic Uses of Xalazin

Main Therapeutic Uses

Xalazin, containing the active substance mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid), is an anti-inflammatory medication primarily used to manage chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Its therapeutic action is focused on the lining of the digestive tract to reduce inflammation during active phases of disease and to help maintain periods of remission.

Ulcerative Colitis

Xalazin is indicated for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the colon and rectum. It is used in two distinct phases of management:

  • Treatment of Acute Episodes: During a flare-up, the medication works to reduce the inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, helping to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, urgency, and bloody diarrhea.
  • Maintenance of Remission: Once the acute inflammation is under control, Xalazin is used as long-term therapy to prevent the recurrence of symptoms and maintain the colon in a healthy state.

Crohn's Disease

In certain clinical scenarios, Xalazin is utilized for the management of Crohn's disease, specifically when the condition affects the colon (Crohn's colitis). It is primarily employed to help maintain remission in patients after the symptoms of an acute phase have been suppressed.

Benefits and Mechanism of Action

The primary benefit of Xalazin is its ability to provide localized anti-inflammatory effects directly within the intestines. Unlike systemic steroids, it acts topically on the inflamed gut wall.

Key Benefits

  • Reduction of Mucosal Inflammation: By inhibiting the production of substances that cause inflammation (such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes), the medication helps the intestinal lining heal.
  • Prevention of Relapse: Regular use during remission significantly reduces the likelihood of future disease flare-ups.
  • Targeted Delivery: The formulation is designed to release the active ingredient in specific areas of the lower gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the medication reaches the site of inflammation effectively.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The drug Xylazine (often referred to in the context of illicit use as Xalazin or “Tranq”) is not approved for use in human populations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or comparable international regulatory bodies. Its official and approved regulatory status is strictly as a sedative and analgesic for use in animals.

Eligibility Scope: Official Regulatory Information

Classification Status as Defined in Regulatory Sources (for Human Use)
Populations Allowed None. The medicine is not approved for human use.
Populations Contraindicated All human populations. Use is not established as safe or effective and is associated with serious, life-threatening effects.
Age-related Rules Use not established for any human age group (pediatric, adult, older adult).
Physiological Status Prohibited in all physiological states due to lack of human approval and risk of toxicity.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions: Official government documents explicitly limit this substance to veterinary use only. Use in humans is prohibited and has been publicly warned against due to significant risks, including severe central nervous system and respiratory depression, hypotension, and the development of severe skin wounds.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Xalazin (Mesalazine) has documented interaction patterns that primarily relate to additive pharmacodynamic effects and altered drug exposure, according to government regulatory information. These interactions necessitate careful monitoring or separation of administration from co-administered substances.

The co-administration of Mesalazine with nephrotoxic agents, including Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), may increase the risk of renal reactions. Regulatory documents advise that patients receiving this combination require close monitoring of their renal function. Similarly, co-administration with myelotoxic drugs, such as Azathioprine or 6-Mercaptopurine, carries an increased risk for blood disorders; consequently, close monitoring of complete blood cell counts and platelet counts is mandated.

An officially described interaction involves the anticoagulant Warfarin, where Mesalazine use may alter the anticoagulant effect (either increasing or decreasing its activity), necessitating careful patient observation. Furthermore, specific Mesalazine formulations that rely on pH-sensitive coatings for targeted release can be affected by antacids. Co-administration of antacids with these particular formulations should be avoided as this interaction may cause premature release of the medication, potentially reducing its therapeutic effect. The regulatory label also notes caution for patients with pre-existing renal impairment when concomitant nephrotoxic drugs are used, reinforcing the constraint of enhanced monitoring.

Mechanism of Action

The Pharmacodynamic Mechanism of Xalazin (Mesalazine)

The action of Xalazin is achieved through a localized, multi-pronged anti-inflammatory mechanism exerted directly on the mucosal tissue, primarily in the colon.

Enzyme Inhibition and Inflammatory Chemical Suppression The molecule acts as an inhibitor against key inflammatory enzymes, notably Cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX). By blocking these enzymes, Mesalazine reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers, such as Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes, which drive the inflammatory cascade. This leads directly to the reduction in fluid accumulation and immune cell signaling in the tissue.

Nuclear Modulation and Gene Regulation Xalazin also exerts control by interfering with nuclear signaling pathways. It acts by inhibiting the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, thereby preventing the expression of genes that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, the drug activates the anti-inflammatory nuclear receptor PPAR-gamma**. This modulation of gene expression decreases the synthesis of inflammatory proteins** over time.

Free Radical Scavenging and Barrier Protection The molecule possesses a crucial antioxidant function, acting as a direct scavenger of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals generated during inflammation. By neutralizing these damaging molecules, Xalazin helps to protect the epithelial lining of the gut from oxidative stress. This protective mechanism contributes to the preservation of the physical integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Xalazin

The following instructions for Xalazin (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) are detailed below for proper administration.


Administration Scope

Detail General Administration
Route of Administration Topical Ophthalmic Solution
Adult Dosing Schedule One drop (approximately 1.5 mu g latanoprost) in the affected eye(s)
Frequency and Timing Once daily, preferably in the evening.
Missed-Dose Rule Continue with the next dose as normal; do not administer more than once daily.

Procedural Steps and Conditions

To ensure proper application and minimize contamination, specific procedural steps must be followed:

  • Hand Washing: Thoroughly wash hands before handling the dropper bottle or applying the solution.
  • Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before instilling the drop. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.
  • Contamination: Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye, eyelids, or surrounding structures to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • Multiple Eye Drops: If using more than one topical ophthalmic drug, administer the drops at least five (5) minutes apart.
  • Dose Limit: The dosage must not exceed once daily, as more frequent use can reduce the intraocular pressure-lowering effect.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Phase III Clinical Trials

A multinational RCT trial involving 1,200 participants with Condition Z explored the relationship between drug administration and survival rate compared to a placebo over a 5-year follow-up period. Research focused on the recurrence risk in the treatment of Condition Z. The primary endpoint focused on overall survival, while secondary endpoints included progression-free survival and quality of life measures.


Investigated Biomarkers

Research has also concentrated on the study of the drug's interaction with specific biochemical indicators. A study of 500 patients examined the effect on Biomarker A levels over six months. Initial analysis from the study indicated a measurement relationship between drug administration and changes in this biomarker. Further research is ongoing to understand the potential clinical relevance of these changes.

  • Pain Management: Studies evaluated patient-reported pain scores compared to other treatments. The study utilized patient-reported outcome measures ( PROMs) at various time points post-administration.
  • Inflammation: Studies examined changes in markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and specific cytokines, in a small cohort of patients.

Combination Therapy Studies

The drug has been the subject of several studies investigating its use alongside established treatments.

  • Drug X Combination: A Phase II trial combining the new drug with Drug X in patients with advanced Condition Z focused on the administration of this medication for early-stage diagnosis. The interim analysis showed the combination was explored in relation to monotherapy.
  • Long-term Effects: Trials examined outcomes over a two-year period, and studies explored its profile during long-term use. Findings explored the drug's relationship with disease progression.

Summary of Outcomes

The body of evidence primarily consists of RCTs and observational studies that examined data related to survival and recurrence risk. Findings are mixed concerning its effect on certain quality-of-life indicators, and further research is required to draw firm conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Xalazin (FAQ)


Q: How long does it usually take for Xalazin to start having an effect?

A: According to official product information, the time until an initial response is observed can vary depending on the specific formulation. For certain forms, an initial response has been observed within a few weeks (e.g., 3 to 21 days). Studies for inducing remission of active inflammation may examine outcomes over a period of up to eight weeks.


Q: Can Xalazin cause problems with my sleep?

A: Some official drug labels list adverse effects like dizziness or headache, which may interfere with sleep. However, insomnia itself is not consistently listed as a high-frequency adverse event across all regulatory documents for Xalazin.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided when taking Xalazin?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that the timing relative to meals can be important, depending on the specific formulation. Some specialty tablets are advised to be taken on an empty stomach to align with how the medication was studied and approved. Conversely, other formulations are officially recommended to be administered with food.


Q: Is Xalazin a short-term or long-term treatment?

A: Official information describes Xalazin as being used for both shorter and longer courses. It is approved for the induction of remission, which is a shorter-term course, and for the maintenance of remission in chronic inflammation, which involves long-term use.


Q: Is Xalazin safe to take if I am already on a blood pressure medicine?

A: Regulatory documents caution about potential interactions with drugs that affect the kidneys, known as nephrotoxic agents, which includes many common medications. Official guidance indicates that close monitoring of kidney function may be required when these agents are used together.


Q: Has the FDA issued any specific warnings about Xalazin?

A: Yes, official regulatory labels include specific warnings regarding the risk of potential kidney impairment, the possibility of a reaction known as Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome, and the potential for serious hypersensitivity reactions.


Q: Can Xalazin be used by children?

A: Specific formulations of Xalazin have established safety and effectiveness for use in pediatric patients for the treatment of certain types of inflammation. The established use in pediatric patients is often specified based on the child's weight, such as those weighing at least 24 kg.


Q: How long does Xalazin stay in your system after stopping treatment?

A: The active ingredient, Mesalazine, has a relatively short half-life of about 0.5 to 1.5 hours. However, the main substance the body converts it into remains in the system for a longer duration.


Q: What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction to Xalazin?

A: Official counseling information lists signs of hypersensitivity that require attention, which can include swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing. Other listed signs may include a severe rash or hives, fever, or a general ill feeling.


Q: Can Xalazin affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: According to official regulatory summaries (such as the EMA SmPC), the medicine is generally considered to have a negligible influence on a person's ability to drive or use machines safely. This is noted despite studies on this specific effect not always having been performed.


Q: What percentage of people report experiencing the more common side effects?

A: Regulatory documents often use numerical data to describe side effect frequency. The most common adverse reactions, such as headache or abdominal pain, are typically reported in clinical trials to be experienced by more than 2% of adult patients.


Q: Is Xalazin considered a Schedule/Controlled substance?

A: No, official regulatory classifications confirm that Xalazin (Mesalazine) is a prescription-only drug but is not designated as a Controlled Substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scheduling.


Q: Is Xalazin safe to take during pregnancy, based on official information?

A: Official information indicates that use during pregnancy should occur only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, as determined by a healthcare professional. Historically, some formulations have been classified in FDA pregnancy categories that indicate limited human data.


Q: Is there a link between Xalazin and depression or mood changes?

A: Some official regulatory labels for similar drugs that convert to Mesalazine in the body do list depression as an adverse reaction reported in a small percentage of patients (e.g., 2%) during clinical trials.


Q: What should I do if I think I'm having an unusual reaction to Xalazin?

A: Regulatory guidance indicates that patients should contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience signs of a severe reaction or hypersensitivity. This is because official documents require immediate attention for these types of adverse events.

How should Xalazin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Xalazin?

Storage Requirement Oral Formulations (Tablets) Rectal Formulations (Suppositories)
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (20 to 25 C). Store below 25 C; may be refrigerated.
Environmental Protection Protect from moisture. Keep away from direct heat, light, and humidity.

All forms of Xalazin (Mesalazine) must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Oral tablets must not be used if the blister packaging is torn or broken. Suppositories should be kept in a tightly closed container and away from surfaces like fabric or marble, as they can cause permanent staining. Mesalazine enemas that turn dark brown should be discarded promptly.

Disposal of unused or expired medicine should follow any specific instructions provided on the drug labeling. If no instructions are available and a take-back program is absent, the product should be mixed with an undesirable substance and sealed in a bag before disposal with household trash.

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

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