Can medications help ulcerative colitis?
Doctors have a growing list of drugs to treat ulcerative colitis. Patients are most often prescribed drugs known as aminosalicylates (5-ASA preparations), which work to reduce inflammation in the bowel wall and work to prevent flare-ups. They work well for mild to moderate disease of the colon. Brand names include Pentasa, Asacol, Colasal, and Azulfidine. Corticosteroids are prescribed to bring the disease into remission. For moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease these medications are given intravenously in the hospital. A new drug called infliximab, which blocks one of the chemicals involved in inflammation, is also available. It is often recommended as an alternative to corticosteroids, which can have serious long-term adverse effects. This drug helps bring the disease under control and maintains the disease in remission. Your doctor will discuss the best medication given your symptoms and overall health.
