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Can I eat this with Mesalazine?

One form of mesalazine must be taken on an empty stomach for proper absorption, and alcohol may worsen gut symptoms.

Also sold as Ipocol, Mesren MR, Mezavant XL, Salcrozine, Zyduco XL. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.

Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 41 foods and drinks for Mesalazine (0 to avoid, 39 to take care with) — or tap one below.

Quick answers

Should I take Mesalazine with food?
Some brands: on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after a meal. Other brands: with or without food—check your leaflet.
Can I drink alcohol with Mesalazine?
Yes, with care. Alcohol can irritate your gut and may make your symptoms worse.
Can I eat rich food with Mesalazine?
Yes, with care. Stick to simple meals if you feel sick; avoid rich food.
Can I eat spicy food with Mesalazine?
Yes, with care. Avoid spicy food if you feel sick or have indigestion.
Can I eat lentils with Mesalazine?
Yes, with care. Try not to eat lentils if you have wind or indigestion.
Can I eat peas with Mesalazine?
Yes, with care. Try not to eat peas if you have wind or indigestion.

Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.

1 · What do you take?

Mesalazinealso Asacol, Mezavant, Octasa

One form of mesalazine must be taken on an empty stomach for proper absorption, and alcohol may worsen gut symptoms.

Some mesalazine tablets must be taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after a meal) because food increases absorption and delays the effect. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent kidney problems. Avoid rich and spicy food if you have indigestion or feel sick, and limit alcohol as it can irritate your gut and make symptoms worse.

Browse our medication food guides →

2 · What do you want to eat or drink?

When to take it: Some brands: on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after a meal. Other brands: with or without food—check your leaflet.

Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.

Take care with Mesalazine· 39

Fine with Mesalazine· 2

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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.

Further reading on Mesalazine

The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check

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The Journal

Read our medication food guides →

A full Mesalazine guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.

Food groups that matter with Mesalazine

Every medicine each one affects, on one page.