New salicylate therapies for ulcerative colitis.

ABSTRACT

Since the development of sulfasalazine about a half century ago, the prognosis for patients with ulcerative colitis has improved significantly. Very recently, the active moiety of oral sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, has been made available as a topical (enema) preparation. In this article, Dr. Bruckstein reviews the advantages of the enemas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and briefly examines the potential benefits of the new oral salicylate preparations.