How is microscopic colitis treated?
Treatment for microscopic colitis often begins with eliminating medications with suspected links to microscopic colitis and cutting out foods that can make diarrhea worse, including foods containing caffeine, high-fat foods, and dairy products. Antidiarrheal medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Immodium) are effective for some patients. If diarrhea persists, medications called corticosteroids may help, including prednisone and budesonide (Entocort). Corticosteroids have many potential side effects including insomnia, fluid retention, and mood swings. Budesonide has fewer side effects than other corticosteroids and has been shown to be effective for treating microscopic colitis. Other medications used to treat microscopic colitis include mesalamine and cholestyramine (Questran).
