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Mesalazine renal monitoring — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateGastro-intestinal TherapeuticsMesalazine renal monitoringGPhC CRA

A 40-year-old man taking mesalazine MR tablets for ulcerative colitis asks why he needs blood tests. His GP letter requests U&Es at baseline and periodically. He has no symptoms and takes no other medicines. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: E — Renal function monitoring because mesalazine can cause nephrotoxicity

Mesalazine can rarely cause renal impairment, including interstitial nephritis, so renal function monitoring is recommended. The absence of symptoms does not remove the need for periodic checks. Mesalazine is not an anticoagulant or lithium-like medicine requiring INR or lithium levels. It may act locally in the gut but still has systemic safety considerations.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Ulcerative colitis