5-aminosalicylates 

Aminosalicylates are anti-inflammatory agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and some forms of arthritis. They work by inhibiting the production of cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandin, thromboxane synthetase, platelet activating factor synthetase, and interleukin-1 by macrophages so reduces the acute inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel disease.

Production of immunoglobulin by plasma cells is also decreased.

Aminosalicylates are used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis and Crohn’s disease.

These newly-designed drugs with fewer side effects would go on to be called 5-ASAs. Examples of these medications include mesalamine, sulfasalazine, and olsalazine. You might recognize them as the brand names Salazopyrin^®, Mezavant^®, Pentasa^®, Salofalk^®, and Teva^®.

5-ASAs are safe and effective medications to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are various types and forms of 5-ASAs. These include oral tablets, liquid enemas, foam enemas and suppositories. The most appropriate one will depend on the location, type and severity of your IBD.