Ulcerative Colitis Medication

  • Author: Marc D Basson, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS; Chief Editor: Julian Katz, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 21, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.The treatment of ulcerative colitis relies on initial medical management with corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory agents, such as sulfasalazine, in conjunction with symptomatic treatment with antidiarrheal agents and rehydration.

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5-aminosalicylic Acid Derivative

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory effects. They are used to maintain remission and to induce remission of mild flares of disease.

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Sulfasalazine

 

Sulfasalazine is useful in treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and maintaining remission. It acts locally in the colon to reduce the inflammatory response and systemically inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.

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Balsalazide (Colazal)

 

Balsalazide is a prodrug that is converted into 5-aminosalicylic acid through bacterial azo reduction. Metabolites of drug may decrease inflammation by blocking production of arachidonic acid metabolites in colon mucosa.

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Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda, Rowasa, Canasa)

 

Mesalamine is the drug of choice for maintaining remission. It is useful for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. It is better tolerated and has less adverse effects than sulfasalazine. Enema and suppository forms are typically used in patients with distal colitis.

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Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor

Class Summary

These agents prevent the endogenous cytokine from binding to cell surface receptor and exerting biological activity. These agents adversely affect normal immune responses and allow development of superinfections; reactivation of latent TB has been reported in patients with previous exposure to TB.

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Infliximab (Remicade)

 

Infliximab is a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody to TNF. It binds free and membrane-bound TNF and thus prevents the cytokine from binding to its cell surface receptor and exerting biological activity. Infliximab is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis in patients who have experienced inadequate response to conventional therapy. It has been shown to reduce signs and symptoms, to achieve clinical remission and mucosal healing, and to eliminate corticosteroid use.

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Immunosuppressant Agent

Class Summary

These agents regulate key factors of the immune system. Agents such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine are often effective in bringing steroid-resistant disease under control.

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Azathioprine (Imuran)

 

Azathioprine is effective as a steroid-sparing or steroid-reducing agent and for use in maintenance therapy. Administration is oral. Onset of action can be delayed up to 3-6 months.

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Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

 

Cyclosporine is effective as a means of avoiding surgery in patients with severe ulcerative colitis refractory to intravenous corticosteroids. It is given as an intravenous infusion, but can be switched to PO qd dose as "bridge" therapy as outpatient use.

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6-Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)

 

6-Mercaptopurine is effective as a steroid-reducing or steroid-sparing agent and for use in maintaining remission. Administration is oral. Onset of action can be delayed up to 3-6 months.

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Tacrolimus (Prograf)

 

Immunomodulator produced by the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis. Mechanism of action of tacrolimus is similar to cyclosporine. It is effective in bringing steroid-resistant disease under control. Tacrolimus should not be used for long-term therapy, owing to the risk of nephrotoxicity.

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Antimicrobials

Class Summary

In several controlled, trials, antibiotics have not been shown to provide consistent benefits for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis. Thus, they are usually administered on an empiric basis in patients with severe colitis in whom they may help with averting a life-threatening infection. They have been shown to be effective for the treatment of pouchitis after an IPAA procedure

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Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

 

A fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin has activity against pseudomonads, streptococci, MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and most gram-negative organisms but no activity against anaerobes. Inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis and, consequently, growth.

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Metronidazole (Flagyl)

 

Metronidazole is an imidazole ring–based antibiotic active against various anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Used in combination with other antimicrobial agents but as monotherapy for C difficile enterocolitis.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability. They are used for induction of remission in moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis.[72] They have no benefit in maintaining remission; long-term use can cause adverse effects.

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Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Medrol)

 

Methylprednisolone is administered intravenously in severe cases.

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Prednisone (Sterapred)

 

Given orally, is effective for the treatment of active moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

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Hydrocortisone (Cortef, Solu-Cortef, A-Hydrocort)

 

High dose corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are used in the treatment of acute, severe ulcerative colitis. Hydrocortisone decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.

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Antidiarrheal

Class Summary

These agents are nonabsorbable synthetic opioids that provide symptomatic relief in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. They prolong GI transit time and decrease secretion via peripheral mu-opioid receptors. They reduce visceral nociception via afferent pathway inhibition.

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Diphenoxylate hydrochloride 2.5 mg with atropine sulfate 0.025 mg (Lomotil)

 

This drug combination consists of 2.5 mg of diphenoxylate, which is a constipating meperidine congener, and 0.025 mg of atropine to discourage abuse. The preparation inhibits excessive GI propulsion and motility, but it may exacerbate constipation.

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Loperamide (Imodium)

 

Loperamide, which is available over the counter, acts on intestinal muscles to inhibit peristalsis and to slow intestinal motility. It prolongs movement of electrolytes and fluid through bowel and increases viscosity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Loperamide improves stool frequency and consistency, reduces abdominal pain and fecal urgency, and may exacerbate constipation.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Marc D Basson, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS  Professor, Chair, Department of Surgery, Assistant Dean for Faculty Development in Research, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Marc D Basson, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Surgeons, American Gastroenterological Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

E Stanton Adkins III, MD  Clinical Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of South Carolina School of Medicine

E Stanton Adkins III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and American Pediatric Surgical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kenneth Azarow, MD  Program Director, Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital and University of Nebraska Medical Center; Professor, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Kenneth Azarow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Pediatric Surgical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Iman Bayat, MBBS, MRCS  Principal House Officer in Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mater Health Services, Australia

Iman Bayat, MBBS, MRCS is a member of the following medical societies: Royal College of Surgeons of England

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jennifer Lynn Bonheur, MD  Attending Physician, Division of Gastroenterology, Lenox Hill Hospital

Jennifer Lynn Bonheur, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, New York Academy of Sciences, New York Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John Geibel, MD, DSc, MA  Vice Chair and Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Gastrointestinal Medicine, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine; Director, Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital

John Geibel, MD, DSc, MA is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, American Physiological Society, American Society of Nephrology, Association for Academic Surgery, International Society of Nephrology, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract

Disclosure: AMGEN Royalty Consulting; Ardelyx Ownership interest Board membership

Peter W Gourlas, MD  Consulting Staff, Colorectal Unit, Princess Alexandre Hospital, Mater Adults Hospital and Greenslopes Private Hospital

Peter W Gourlas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael A Grosso, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Francis Hospital

Michael A Grosso, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society of University Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Andre Hebra, MD  Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine; Surgeon-in-Chief, Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital

Andre Hebra, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Children's Oncology Group, Florida Medical Association, International Pediatric Endosurgery Group, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, South Carolina Medical Association, Southeastern Surgical Congress, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jodi Hirst, MBBS  Specialist Registrar in General Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Adult Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Emma Igras, MBBS, FRACS  Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia

Emma Igras, MBBS, FRACS is a member of the following medical societies: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Alex Jacocks, MD  Program Director, Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Judith R Kelsen, MD  Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Judith R Kelsen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Gastroenterological Association, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Tri H Le, MD  Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Tri H Le, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Luis M Lovato, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine; Director of Critical Care, Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

Luis M Lovato, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Petar Mamula, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Petar Mamula, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Brian J Miller, MBBS, LRCP, MRCS, FRCSC, FRACS  Associate Professor in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital

Brian J Miller, MBBS, LRCP, MRCS, FRCSC, FRACS is a member of the following medical societies: Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David A Piccoli, MD  Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

David A Piccoli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Gastroenterological Association, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jorge H Vargas, MD  Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine; Consulting Physician, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles Health System

Jorge H Vargas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Liver Foundation, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Latin American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Anil Minocha, MD, FACP, FACG  Professor of Medicine, Director of Digestive Diseases, Medical Director of Nutrition Support, Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Internal Medicine Department, University of Mississippi Medical Center; Clinical Professor, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Anil Minocha, MD, FACP, FACG is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Forensic Examiners, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Clinical Research, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Harsh Grewal, MD, FACS, FAAP  Clinical Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cooper University Hospital

Harsh Grewal, MD, FACS, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Association for Surgical Education, Children's Oncology Group, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, International Pediatric Endosurgery Group, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and Southwestern Surgical Congress

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Carmen Cuffari, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Carmen Cuffari, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Julian Katz, MD  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Julian Katz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, American Trauma Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Increased postrectal space is a known feature of ulcerative colitis.
Plain abdominal radiograph on a patient with known ulcerative colitis who presented with an acute exacerbation of his symptoms. Image shows thumbprinting in the region of the splenic flexure of the colon.
Double-contrast barium enema study shows pseudopolyposis of the descending colon.
Single-contrast enema study in a patient with known ulcerative colitis in remission shows a benign stricture of the sigmoid colon.
Plain abdominal radiograph in a 26-year-old with a 10-year history of ulcerative colitis shows a long stricture/spasm of the ascending colon/cecum. Note the pseudopolyposis in the descending colon.
Single-contrast enema study in a patient with total colitis shows mucosal ulcers with a variety of shapes, including collar-button ulcers, in which undermining of the ulcers occurs, and double-tracking ulcers, in which the ulcers are longitudinally orientated.
Double-contrast barium enema study shows total colitis. Note the granular mucosa in the cecum/ascending colon and multiple strictures in the transverse and descending colon in a patient with a more than a 20-year history of ulcerative colitis.
Single-contrast barium enema study shows burnt-out ulcerative colitis.
Intravenous urogram in the same patient as in Image 11 shows features of ankylosing spondylitis.
Lateral radiograph of the lumbar spine in the same patient as in Images 10-11 shows a bamboo spine.
Single-contrast barium enema study in a patient with Shigella colitis.
Postevacuation image obtained after a single-contrast barium enema study shows extensive mucosal ulceration resulting from Shigella colitis.
Double-contrast barium enema studies show granular mucosa associated with Campylobacter colitis.
Ulcerative colitis as visualized with a colonoscope.
Inflamed colonic mucosa demonstrating pseudopolyps.
Table 1. Distinguishing Ulcerative Colitis from Crohn Disease
Ulcerative ColitisCrohn Disease
Only colon involvedPanintestinal
Continuous inflammation extending proximally from rectumSkip-lesions with intervening normal mucosa
Inflammation in mucosa and submucosa onlyTransmural inflammation
No granulomasNoncaseating granulomas
Perinuclear ANCA (pANCA) positiveASCA positive
Bleeding (common)Bleeding (uncommon)
Fistulae (rare)Fistulae (common)
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