The similarity of these drugs is that they have the same active substance. Hence, indications and contraindications for use are also the same. Both drugs are only available on prescription. Both drugs contribute to the normalization of the patient’s condition and are used to treat and prevent diseases.
The main difference is the country in which the drug is produced. Mesacol is made in India, and Salofalk – in Germany. Salofalk has many dosage forms, which makes the use of the drug convenient. For example, rectal forms are suitable for isolated lesions of the rectum. Also a clear difference is the price of drugs.
The cost of Mesacol is in the region of 700 rubles, while the price of Salofalk varies from 900 to 3000 rubles, depending on the form.
Doctors recommend Salofalk to patients, since this German drug has proven itself over many years of use. Some insist on taking the drug, saying that it can not be replaced with anything. Patients who can afford such a drug adhere to a similar position. However, for long-term use, Mesacol is more suitable, since its cost is an order of magnitude lower and this will help save the patient.
Thus, according to some doctors, Salofalk is much more effective than Mesacol. However, a specific drug should be prescribed by a doctor, based on the characteristics of the patient’s disease. The drugs have a similar composition, which makes it difficult to choose. If the patient is diagnosed with a disease, then he already knows which of the drugs helps more effectively. However, if the symptoms arose for the first time, then you should not self-medicate, but you should consult a specialist.
For the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the intestinal mucosa, Mesakol and Salofalk are often prescribed. They fight well with pathogenic microflora, and also eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Often, patients have the question of which drug is better. To decide on the choice of means, you need to study each of them in more detail.
Mesacol
The active substance is mesalazine. It has anti-inflammatory effect. It also has an antibacterial effect on cocci and Escherichia coli. Available in tablet form. When using the product, the active substance is released after 170 minutes, and after 230 minutes the shell completely dissolves. Due to this, about 80% of the substance is released in the large intestine. A small amount of substance is released in the small intestine, so only 10% enters the bloodstream. The elimination half-life is from 30 to 120 minutes. 50% is excreted by the kidneys, and the rest by the intestines.
The main indications for use are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Contraindications are:
- Allergic reaction to constituent components.
- Blood diseases.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Gastrointestinal ulcer.
- Renal and liver failure.
- Age up to 2 years.
Tablets are taken after meals with water. Dosage 1-2 tablets three times a day. The course of treatment usually lasts 12 weeks. When skipping a pill, it is taken at the next dose or at any convenient time. For prevention, 1 tablet is recommended three times a day.
During treatment, it is recommended to take blood and urine tests periodically. Urine may stain yellow.
If intolerance to the drug is detected during medication, then it should be canceled.
Salofalk
The active substance is mesalazine. It is an intestinal anti-inflammatory drug. When ingested, the substance acts in the mucosa and submucous layer of the intestine. It is necessary that the substance enters the affected area of the mucous membrane. Granules are resistant to the effects of gastric juice, so the substance is released and acts on the affected area.
Available in the form of tablets, granules, rectal suppositories, rectal suspension and rectal foam.
After administration, the drug is released in the large and small intestines. The action is observed 110-170 minutes after administration. Complete dissolution is noted after 170-230 minutes. When eating, the absorption of the substance increases by 2-3 hours. The maximum amount in plasma is observed after 4-5 hours. The elimination half-life is from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Tablets are used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both for therapy and for prevention. Granules are used for colitis during severe exacerbations, as well as to prolong the time of remission. Suppositories are prescribed for distal ulcerative colitis. Rectal dosage forms are used for ulcerative colitis, if the rectum is involved.
Contraindications are:
- Blood diseases.
- Peptic ulcer.
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Phenylketonuria (when using granules).
- Children under 3 years (taking tablets), children under 6 years (taking granules).
- An allergic reaction to the drug.
Precautions are prescribed for bronchial asthma, as well as in early pregnancy. For adult patients, 500 mg three times daily is recommended . If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 3-4 g per day. Treatment lasts 8-12 weeks. To avoid relapse, you need to take 500 mg per day. If necessary, then the reception can be carried out for a long time.
Children are recommended to take tablets at a dosage of 250 mg three times a day. Rectal suppositories are administered before bedtime. One candle of 500 mg or 2 candles of 250 mg.
The use of rectal foam is allowed for adults as well as children over 12 years old. It is recommended to make 2 clicks. If it is difficult to keep such a dose, then it is divided into two. The first – in the evening, and the second – in the morning, after a bowel movement. The therapeutic course is 5-6 weeks.
For treatment to be effective, the drug should be taken regularly.
