Best Medications for Treating Colitis

For patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis, 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are typically the first-line treatment option. These medications help reduce inflammation in the colon and can effectively manage symptoms in early stages. However, if 5-ASAs do not provide sufficient relief, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids such as budesonide, which offer more potent anti-inflammatory effects.

In cases of moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis, a more aggressive treatment approach is required. Systemic corticosteroids are often recommended to induce remission, helping to quickly control inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Alongside steroid therapy, biologic agents like TNF-alpha inhibitors have proven highly effective. Common options include adalimumab, infliximab, and tofacitinib — these target specific components of the immune response that contribute to intestinal inflammation.

For critically ill patients hospitalized with severe ulcerative colitis, intravenous corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone are the standard initial treatment. If there's no improvement after several days of steroid therapy, alternative treatments like infliximab or cyclosporine may be introduced to prevent complications and avoid surgery. These therapies aim to rapidly suppress the immune system and stabilize the patient's condition.

Overall, treatment strategies should be tailored based on disease severity and individual patient response, always under the supervision of a gastroenterologist or inflammatory bowel disease specialist.