Antidiarrheals and Absorbing Medications
The first stage of medication treatment for collegeanous colitis may be a course of antidiarrheals such as Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine combined) or Imodium (loperamide) to slow colon contractions. The Mayo Clinic says that both medications are often effective in treating mild to moderate diarrhea and are well tolerated by most patients. If these are ineffective, your doctor may recommend Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) or Questran (cholestyramine) to coat the bowels and absorb excess bile.
Corticosteroid Medications
A corticosteroid medication such as prednisone or Entocort (budesonide) may be prescribed for duration of up to two months and is often effective in severe cases of collegeanous colitis, but symptoms often recur after treatment. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends that steroids be used only for a sudden diarrhea attack due to the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
Anti-inflammatory Medications and Immunosuppressive Drugs
Anti-inflammatory medications such as Azulfidine (sulfasalazine),Canasa and Rowansa (both mesalamine) are commonly prescribed. They're effective in reducing swelling and inflammation of the colon. Immunosuppressive drugs such as Imuran (azathioprine) are sometimes recommended but are typically a last resort before surgery.
