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Aminosalicylates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Aminosalicylates usually are the first medicines used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 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 ulcerative colitis. 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
large intestine
. Suppositories may be used if the disease affects only the
lower rectum (proctitis).
Crohn's disease
- Oral aminosalicylates are used to treat mild Crohn's disease.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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