| Theme |
Novel therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis |
| Title |
5-aminosalicylic acid preparations for ulcerative colitis |
| Author |
Kiyonori Kobayashi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| Author |
Miyuki Mukae |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| Author |
Taishi Ogawa |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| Author |
Kaoru Yokoyama |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| Author |
Miwa Sada |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| Author |
Wasaburo Koizumi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University East Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
A standard drug for the management of ulcerative colitis is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Types of 5-ASA preparations available include salazosulfapyridine (Salazopyrin®) and mesalazine preparations (Pentasa® and Asacol®), which have different properties for the release of 5-ASA. These drugs are effective for the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with mild to moderate disease. There is no difference in the therapeutic effectiveness of these preparations. However, mesalazine preparations are usually selected due to safety considerations. When mesalazine preparations are used to induce remission, high initial doses are effective. For maintenance of remission, a decreased number of doses helps to improve tolerability. 5-ASA preparations for local application are also available. In particular, the effectiveness of 5-ASA preparations applied through enemas is equivalent to or higher than that of steroid preparations administered through enemas. |