Mesalazine is identical with 5-aminosalicylic acid and it is also called mesalamine or 5-ASA. When mesalazine reaches the inflamed area of the intestine (terminal ileum, colon, rectum) it has an anti-inflammatory effect. The mechanism of this effect is not known (influenced by prostaglandins or leukotrienes). As orally administered mesalazine is usually absorbed before it reaches the desired site of action, it has to be given rectally in a special galenic form or as a "prodrug" (olsalazine, sulphasalazine).

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