If you have ulcerative colitis, your doctor might suggest Apriso (mesalamine) as a treatment option for you.

Apriso is a prescription medication that’s used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. It belongs to a group of drugs called aminosalicylates. Apriso comes as a capsule that you take by mouth.

This article describes the dosage of Apriso, including its form, strength, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Apriso, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Apriso’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Apriso, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

What is Apriso’s form?

Apriso is available as an extended-release capsule that you take by mouth. “Extended-release” means the drug’s active ingredient is slowly released over a certain period of time.

Apriso capsules are also delayed-release, which means they have a special coating that allows them to pass through the stomach before dissolving.

What strength does Apriso come in?

Apriso comes in a strength of 0.375 grams (g).

What are the typical dosages of Apriso?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The typical dose of Apriso is four capsules (1.5 g) taken every morning. This is also the maximum dosage that’s recommended for Apriso.

Is Apriso used long term?

Yes, Apriso is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Apriso is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

Below are answers to some common questions about Apriso.

Is there a generic version of Apriso? If so, how does the dosage compare with that of Apriso?

Yes, a generic version of Apriso has been approved under the name mesalamine. Keep in mind that Apriso capsules contain an extended-release form of mesalamine. “Extended-release” means the drug’s active ingredient is slowly released over a certain period of time.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug.

However, other medications are available that contain mesalamine. And some of these come in generic versions. The dosage varies depending on the form and strength of mesalamine your doctor prescribes.

For more information about generic forms of mesalamine, see this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.)

If you’re interested in trying a different form of mesalamine that’s available as a generic version, talk with your doctor about your options.

How do the dosages for Apriso and Lialda compare?

Apriso and Lialda are both approved to treat ulcerative colitis, and they contain the same active drug (mesalamine). But these drugs have different dosages and come in different forms and strengths.

Apriso comes as a capsule in a strength of 0.375 grams (g). Lialda is available as a tablet in a strength of 1.2 g.

The typical dose of Apriso is 1.5 g (four capsules) taken every morning. For Lialda, the usual dose is 2.4 g to 4.8 g (two to four tablets) taken once daily.

To learn more about the similarities and differences between Apriso and Lialda, see this comparison. If you’re interested in switching from one of these drugs to the other, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best medication for you.

Apriso comes as capsules that you take by mouth every morning. You should swallow your Apriso capsules whole. Be sure not to break, crush, cut, or chew the capsules.

You can take Apriso with or without food, but you should take it with a full glass of water.

If you forget to take your dose of Apriso in the morning, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at the usual time.

You shouldn’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. This can raise your risk of side effects from Apriso.

If you’re not sure whether you should take your missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Apriso on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Don’t use more Apriso than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Apriso

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Apriso. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Apriso for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Apriso without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Apriso exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I experience side effects from Apriso, can my dose be decreased?
  • Should my dose change based on my other medical conditions?
  • Do I need to take a higher or lower dose of Apriso due to my other medications?

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Q:

If Apriso isn’t working for me, can my dose be increased?

Anonymous

A:

It’s not likely that your dose would be increased. The typical dosage of Apriso is four capsules (1.5 grams) taken once daily in the morning. This is also the maximum dosage that’s recommended for Apriso.

If you’re having more frequent flare-ups while taking Apriso, talk with your doctor. They may switch you to a different form of mesalamine (the active ingredient in Apriso) or make other changes to your treatment plan. As a reminder, you shouldn’t change your dose of Apriso unless your doctor recommends it.

Patricia Weiser, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.