Medications For Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Medications And Treatments

Ulcerative colitis medications do not cure ulcerative colitis, However, they're beneficial because they relieve painful ulcerative colitis symptoms.

The primary goal of taking medications for ulcerative colitis is to induce and maintain remission. The major types of medications that are used as treatments for ulcerative colitis include the following.

Sulfasalazine - This ulcerative colitis treatment is a drug that combines sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA). The function of the sulfapyridine component is to transport 5-ASA to the intestines. The problem with sulfapyridine is a range of possible side effects, including nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache.

Aminosalicylates - These also contain 5-aminosalicyclic acid. It is believed that 5-ASA has few side effects, so it is often used by people who can't use sulfasalazine. It's a derivative of salicylic acid, and therefore may possibly be an antioxidant. Depending on the location of the colitis, these medications are may be taken orally, administered by enema or suppositories. This group of ulcerative colitis medications is usually first treatment for individuals with colitis. They may also be used where relapses occur.

Corticosteroids - These medications for ulcerative colitis include prednisone, methylprednisone, and hydrocortisone. Their primary benefit is that they reduce inflammation. Patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, or those who do not respond to 5-ASA's are more likely to use this group. Corticosteroids (commonly just called steroids), can be taken by mouth, intravenously, through an enema, or in a suppository. Once again, the delivery method depends of the location of the problem. Corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use because they may have some side effects, including weight gain, acne, facial hair, hypertension, diabetes, mood swings, bone mass loss, and an increased risk of infection. However they tend to be highly effective when used in the short-term.

Immunomodulators - These reduce inflammation by affecting the immune system. Azathioprine and 6-mercapto-purine (6-MP) are included in this group. Immunomodulators are appropriate for patients who don't respond to 5-ASAs or corticosteroids, or may be dependent on corticosteroids. Many patients prefer them because they are taken orally. However, they're very slow-acting compared to other ulcerative colitis medications - it can take as long as 6 months before the patient gets the full benefit. There can also be complications, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, low white blood cell count, and a higher risk of infection.

Cyclosporine A - This medication is sometimes used in combination with 6-MP or azathioprine in patients who have active, severe ulcerative colitis, and in those who are not responding to intravenous corticosteroids.

While the patient is undergoing treatment with ulcerative colitis medications, he or she may also be prescribed other drugs to help relax, relieve pain, or combat diarrhea or infection.

As mentioned above, there are no cures for ulcerative colitis, except by surgically removing the colon. But ulcerative colitis medications can help by

• controlling inflammation
• preventing flare-ups
• reducing or delaying the need for surgery

There are a number of factors your doctor will consider in prescribing an ulcerative colitis medication for you. These factors include:

• symptom severity
• any possible complications
• side effects and how they may impact your situation
• any other ulcerative colitis treatments you have previously tried

Ulcerative colitis works in different ways for different individuals. Therefore your doctor may have to try several different ulcerative colitis medications before settling on one that works best for you.

We also have articles on colitis disease, ischemic colitis and ulcerative colitis.

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