Ulcerative colitis refers to a chronic disease in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. Specifically, this condition affects the lining of the large intestine and colon. The Mayo Clinic says that ulcerative colitis symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, fatigue and unintentional weight loss. Medications for ulcerative colitis exist to help manage symptoms.
Balsalazide
Balsalazide, commonly sold as Colazal, is a medication specifically used to decrease the inflammation in the colon. Drugs.com says that its less serious effects include trouble sleeping, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, joint pain and runny nose. Balsalazide's serious side effects include pale skin, weakness, rectal bleeding, stomach pain and bloody diarrhea. Call a doctor if balsalazide leads to these effects. Suffering from a stomach disorder, kidney disease or an infection may require a decrease in balsalazide's dose. Balsalazide is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Infliximab
Infliximab, commonly sold as Remicade, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. Infliximab treats ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that some of infliximab's less concerning effects include heartburn, a headache, white patches in the mouth, burning, stomach pain and nausea. Some of infliximab's serious side effects include a poor appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chest pain, seizures and blurry vision. Phone a doctor if infliximab leads to these effects. Taking etanercept or anakinra may require a decrease in infliximab's dose. This medication is an intravenous (through the vein) injection given every two to eight weeks.
Olsalazine
Olsalazine, commonly sold as Dipentum, is another medication that specifically treats ulcerative colitis. It reduces diarrhea, tissue damage and inflammation, says Drugs.com. Olsalazine's less serious effects include heart burn, stomach problems, a headache and frequent urination. Some of its serious side effects include chest pain, shortness of breath, dark urine, clay-colored stool and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Phone a doctor if olsalazine leads to these effects. Suffering from asthma, kidney or liver disease and allergies may require a decrease in olsalazine's dose. Olsalazine is a tablet taken two to four times daily.
