Oral or Topical 5-ASA in Ulcerative Colitis

Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are foundational therapies for patients with mild-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC) and to maintain remissions. A variety of oral and topical formulations have been evaluated in both active and quiescent disease in both extensive and distal UC. This review summarizes data on pharmacokinetics and applications of oral and topical 5-ASA therapies in active and quiescent, extensive colitis and distal disease, both as monotherapies and in combination and reviews dosing and dosing intervals for oral 5-ASA in both active disease and to maintain remissions.