Drug Treatment for Collegeanous Colitis

Collagenous colitis is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common symptoms include chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Treatment for collagenous colitis starts with lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, although sometimes drugs are needed.

Anti-diarrheal Medications

• If collagenous colitis doesn't resolve on its own or a low-fat diet isn't enough to bring it into remission, the Mayo Clinic says doctors often start with anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium or Lomotil. Both are non-prescription. A third option for more severe symptoms of collagenous colitis is Pepto-Bismal.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

• If anti-diarrheal medications aren't enough to bring collagenous colitis into remission, doctors will prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. Common medications include mesalamine (Rowasa or Canasa) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).

Steroids

• Doctors also prescribe steroids like prednisone or budesonide (Entocort) to reduce inflammation caused by collagenous colitis. Usually they only prescribe steroids for sudden severe bouts of diarrhea.

Immunosuppressive Medications

• Doctors also use immunosuppressive medications to treat severe collagenous colitis which doesn't respond to any other medication. Common immunosuppressive medications include azathioprine, which is sold under the name Imuran.

Surgery

• Doctors will recommend surgery if your collagenous colitis symptoms don't respond to any medication. Surgery involves removing all or a part of the colon.