HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Aminosalicylates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Why It Is Used
Aminosalicylates usually are the first medicines used to treat Reference inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Opens New Window. These medicines have been used to treat IBD for more than 30 years.
Ulcerative colitis
- Oral and topical aminosalicylates are used to treat mild to moderate Reference ulcerative colitis Opens New Window. They also are used to help keep the disease in remission.
- Oral aminosalicylates are used to treat mild to moderate extensive disease (pancolitis).
- Mesalamine
(Canasa, Rowasa) is placed in the rectum as a retention enema or suppository.
Enemas are useful if the disease affects only the lower third of the
Reference large intestine Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window. Suppositories may be used if the disease affects only the
lower rectum (proctitis).
Crohn's disease
- Oral aminosalicylates are used to treat mild Reference Crohn's disease Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 8, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|
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