According to the Mayo Clinic, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that's characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon starting at the rectum. Doctors don't know the exact cause of this disease, but genetic factors may play a role. It's also possible that the inflammation stems from an immune response to a virus or bacterium in the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, blood in the stool and continuing episodes of diarrhea. Nonsteroidal medications can provide relief from the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Sulfasalazine is an oral, prescription medication that's in the salicylate class of drugs, according to Drugs.com. Doctors use it in the treatment of ulcerative colitis to reduce inflammation and to extend the time that a patient has between bouts of the disease. Patients should take sulfasalazine after a meal with 8 oz. water, and they should increase their fluid intake while on this medication. Drowsiness and dizziness are side effects of this drug, so patients should not drive or do anything requiring full mental alertness until they know how the affects them. Other side effects include headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Infliximab (Remicade)
According to Medline Plus, infliximab is an intravenous medication that doctors prescribe to treat ulcerative colitis in patients who haven't responded to other medications. Infliximab works by inhibiting the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a proinflammatory substance produced by the immune system. Patients get this medication in their doctor's office via an intravenous injection over the course of about two hours. The injections are administered once every two to eight weeks. Infliximab may compromise patients' immune system, making them more susceptible to viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Other side effects may include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, headache, runny nose and back pain.
Cyclosporine (Neoral)
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug that doctors prescribe for ulcerative colitis, according to Health.com. Medications that suppress the immune system also reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. In many cases, doctors resort to cyclosporine for patients with severe ulcerative colitis who haven't gotten symptomatic relief with corticosteroid drugs. Cyclosporine works most effectively as an intravenous medication, and patients normally receive it in the hospital. Side effects may include decrease in kidney function, increased risk of infections, sleep problems, headache, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels.
