The first drug typically offered for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis is a 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid).
5-ASA for Ulcerative Colitis: A Detailed Look
5-ASA medications are a class of drugs commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis. They work by reducing inflammation in the lining of the colon.
Forms of 5-ASA
According to the provided reference, 5-ASA is initially given in:
- Suppository form
- Enema form
These forms are often the first line of treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, targeting the inflammation directly in the rectum and lower colon.
What Happens If Symptoms Don't Improve?
If symptoms do not improve after approximately 4 weeks using suppositories or enemas, doctors may prescribe 5-ASA in other forms. The reference mentions:
- Tablets
- Capsules
These oral forms of 5-ASA allow the medication to reach different parts of the colon, providing a broader anti-inflammatory effect.
