Lack of effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid on platelet aggregation and fibrinolytic activity in vivo and in vitro.

We have studied platelet aggregation and fibrinolytic activity in six patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalazine). There were no changes in these measurements during normal treatment, i.e. 1.5 g per day with a slow-release formulation, nor after an intravenous dose of 250 mg. Also in vitro tests were negative, in contrast to the inhibition seen with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). We conclude that treatment with mesalazine does not constitute a hazard to these patients in regard to prolonged bleeding time caused by an influence on platelet aggregation or fibrinolytic activity.