Drug interactions
Mesalamine + Sodium citrate / citric acid
Severity: Minor
Mesalamine and Sodium citrate / citric acid: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate and raises urinary pH, which increases renal elimination of salicylates. The effect on mesalamine is expected to be small and clinically insignificant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mesalamine and Sodium citrate / citric acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Urinary alkalinization increases ionization and renal excretion of salicylate.
What to do
No routine action is needed. Reassess clinical response if large or sustained citrate doses are used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Mesalamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mesalamine with Sodium citrate / citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mesalamine and Sodium citrate / citric acid have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate and raises urinary pH, which increases renal elimination of salicylates. The effect on mesalamine is expected to be small and clinically insignificant.
How serious is the interaction between Mesalamine and Sodium citrate / citric acid?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed. Reassess clinical response if large or sustained citrate doses are used.
What other medicines interact with Mesalamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mesalamine with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Mesalamine page.
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