Mezavant

Mezavant is an effective sulfanilamide drug that has a direct effect on the digestive and metabolic processes in the body. The active component of Mezavant is mesalazine, which is actively used for inflammatory bowel diseases.

The anti-inflammatory drug Mezavant is available in pharmacies only with a prescription.

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Indications Mezavanta

Depending on the form of the drug, Mezavant is prescribed for various intestinal pathologies:

• The tablets are prescribed for the treatment of non-specific ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (non-specific granulomatous inflammatory process in the digestive system);
• Mezavant rectal suppositories are prescribed for non-specific ulcerative colitis involving the rectum (ulcerative variant of inflammation);
• Mezavant suspension for rectal administration is used to treat nonspecific ulcerative colitis, with involvement of the distal parts of the colon and rectum.

Release form

Intestinal soluble tablets (10 tablets in a blister pack) based on 400 or 800 mg of mesalazine, containing a number of auxiliary substances that form the drug shell (starch, maltodextrin, macrogol, talc, etc.). The shell has a brownish-red tint, sometimes with additional inclusions. The inside of the tablet is gray.

Rectal suppositories (5 pcs. per pack) contain solid fats and 500 mg of the active ingredient mesalazine. The suppository shape is cone-shaped, the color is pastel.

The suspension for intrarectal use consists of 4 g of mesalazine (per 100 g of the drug), tragacanth, sodium acetate, xanthan gum and other additional components. The suspension is a homogeneous mass of a creamy shade. It is produced in plastic container-type capsules with a capacity of 50 or 100 g. The package includes an applicator and annotation on the use of the drug.

Names of analogues of the drug Mezavant

• Asakol – suppositories, tablets.
• Mesacol is a tablet for dissolution in the intestine.
• Pentasa – granules, suppositories, suspension, tablets.
• Salofalk – granules, suppositories, tablets.

Drugs with similar effects:

• Sulfasalazine - tablets;
• Salazopyrin - tablets.

Pharmacodynamics

The medicinal product Mezavant has a local anti-inflammatory effect, which is explained by the suppression of the function of neutrophil lipoxygenase and a decrease in the production of prostaglandins and highly active lipid substances leukotrienes.

The drug Mezavant inhibits the migratory, phagocytic and degranulation properties of neutrophils and blocks the lymphocytic release of immunoglobulins.

Mezavant has an antimicrobial effect against coccal flora and E. coli. The antimicrobial effect is fully manifested in the large intestine.

The drug can act as an antioxidant, as it has the ability to form bonds and destroy free oxygen radicals.

The active ingredient is released in the terminal section of the small intestine, as well as in the large intestine. Such forms of the drug as suppositories and suspension have the maximum effect in the distal sections of the large intestine, as well as directly in the rectum.

Pharmacokinetics

Almost half of the amount of Mezavant taken orally is absorbed primarily in the small intestine. The process of acetylation (substitution of hydrogen atoms) in the active ingredient mesalazine occurs in the intestinal mucosa and in the liver, with the formation of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid.

Plasma protein binding is more than 40%.

The active ingredient of Mezavant and its metabolic products do not cross the BBB, but can be found in the milk of a nursing mother.

The active ingredient and metabolic products are eliminated through the urinary system, and partly through feces.

Dosing and administration

Directions for use for the tablet preparation Mezavant:

• The tablet is taken between meals, without chewing or crushing, with water;
• in the acute stage of the disease, adult patients are prescribed 800 mg of the drug three times a day, with a maximum of 4 g/day;
• in the acute stage of the disease, children over 40 kg in weight are prescribed a maximum of 50 mg/kg of the drug per day;
• As a maintenance treatment, adults are prescribed 400 mg of the drug 4 times a day or 800 mg of the drug 2 times a day, and children over 40 kg of weight are prescribed a maximum dose of 30 mg/kg/day.

Method of use of Mezavant rectal suppositories 500 mg:

• in the acute stage, adults and children weighing over 40 kg – 1 suppository three times a day;
• as a maintenance treatment for adults and children weighing over 40 kg – 1 suppository once a day.

Before inserting the suppository into the rectum, you should take steps to empty the bowels. The suppository is inserted deeply and held for at least 60 minutes. For ease of insertion, it is recommended to hold the suppository in cold water for 5 minutes beforehand.

Method of administration of Mezavant rectal suspension:

• in the acute stage, 50-100 ml of the drug in the morning and at night;
• as a maintenance treatment – 50 ml of the preparation before going to bed.

For children, the dosage and frequency of use of the suspension is selected by the doctor individually. The maximum amount of Mezavant for children is 50 mg/kg in the acute stage, or 30 mg/kg as a maintenance treatment.

The suspension is administered after the intestines have been cleaned: shake the capsule with the preparation, remove the protective cap, insert the tip of the applicator deep into the anus. The procedure is more convenient if the patient lies on his left side, bending his right leg and stretching out the left one.

The drug is administered gradually, without rushing. After the administration, the patient should continue to lie down for at least 30 minutes.

Usually, the course of therapy with Mezavant suspension lasts up to 3 months, until a stable period of remission is achieved.

Use Mezavanta during pregnancy

It has been proven by experts that the active ingredient of Mezavant crosses the placenta, but the degree of risk of damage to the fetus remains uncertain, since such studies have not been conducted. Due to the lack of information, it is not recommended to use the drug in pregnant women, unless the use of the drug is vital.

The active ingredient and its metabolic products are found in sufficient quantities in the milk of a nursing mother. The question of using Mezavant during this period should be decided by a doctor.

Self-medication with this drug is unacceptable, especially for pregnant and lactating women.

Contraindications

There are situations when the use of Mezavant is highly undesirable or unacceptable:

• if there is a high probability of an allergic response of the body to the components of the drug;
• for blood diseases and hematopoiesis disorders;
• in the acute stage of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
• with a lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
• with increased bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis;
• in case of severe liver and kidney damage;
• during pregnancy (especially in the third trimester of pregnancy);
• during breastfeeding;
• in early childhood (up to 2 years).

If the patient has chronic or acute infectious diseases, the question of using Mezavant is decided by the doctor on an individual basis.

Side effects Mezavanta

Side effects during treatment with Mezavant may affect various systems and organs of the patient:

• attacks of nausea and vomiting, bowel disorders, loss of appetite, thirst, inflammation of the oral mucosa, inflammation of the pancreas and liver;
• increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, discomfort in the heart area, difficulty breathing, inflammation of the heart muscle or pericardium;
• headaches, ringing in the ears, trembling in the limbs, development of a depressive state, dizziness;
• the appearance of protein or crystals in the urine, urinary retention;
• manifestations of allergies (skin rashes, itching in the anus, redness of the skin);
• anemia, decreased number of leukocytes and platelets, hypoprothrombinemia;
• fatigue, increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays, hair loss, oligospermia.

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Overdose

Cases of Mezavant overdose are very rare, but may manifest themselves with the following symptoms:

• attacks of nausea, vomiting;
• pain in the stomach projection area;
• increased fatigue, apathy;
• sleepy state.

Overdose is treated by gastric lavage and taking a laxative. Symptomatic therapy may be prescribed as indicated.

Sometimes the manifestation of side effects may increase. In this case, the decision to cancel Mezavant is made by the attending physician.

Interactions with other drugs

Mezavant has the ability to enhance the effect of sulfonylurea-based drugs, increases the ulcer-forming properties of glucocorticosteroids and the toxic effect of Methotrexate.

The drug worsens the effect of Furosemide, sulfonamides, Rifampicin, Spironolactone, and also improves the effect of drugs that prevent blood clotting, potentiates the activity of uricosuric agents, and inhibits the absorption of vitamin B12.

There are no known other drug combinations between Mezavant and its active ingredient mesalazine.

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Storage conditions

Mezavant is classified as a List B drug.

The tablet version of the drug can be stored under normal temperature conditions, at a temperature of no more than +30°C.

Rectal suppositories and suspension are stored at a temperature of no more than +25°C.

Mezavant should be stored out of reach of children, in a dark place.

Shelf life

The shelf life of the medication, as well as the final expiration date, must be indicated on the packaging of the drug.

Mezavant tablets and suppositories have a shelf life of no more than 3 years from the date of manufacture.

The suspension is stored for up to 2 years in sealed factory packaging.

After opening the package, the medicine should be used immediately or disposed of.