Mesalamine Side Effects & Safe Alternatives Of Mesalamine In Ayurveda Abstract Mesalamine is useful in treating bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis. It commonly belongs to the class of drugs known as Aminosalicylates. Mesalazine or 5-aminosalicylic acid generally treats mild to moderately severe disease. It is taken orally and rectally. It is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It works by inhibiting the production of certain substances such as prostaglandins which reduces inflammation.