Pharmacotherapy of Ulcerative Colitis: What Role for Mesalamine?

Abstract: Goals of treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) include inducing remission, reducing symptom burden, and maintaining disease quiescence. Mesalamine is indicated for the management of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. There are various dosages, formula-tions, and mechanisms of delivery that are efficacious and currently utilized in the treatment of UC. Mesalamine therapy (formulation and dosage) should be tailored on an individual basis depending on extent and severity of disease. Newer delivery systems can con-solidate dosing regimens and possibly increase compliance. In general, mesalamine has been well tolerated with minimal side effects. In addition, mesalamine has been postulated to play a role in the chemoprophylaxis of colon cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis