MANAGING INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

The relatively recent discovery that mesalamine is the active componen t of sulfasalazine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD ) has generated several treatment alternatives in the last decade. The se products evolved from research into the delivery of pure mesalamine to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with minimal toxic effects. Hospit al Formulary recently convened a panel of experts to discuss the merit s and rational use of this group of drugs in the treatment of IBD. Led by moderator Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, the panelists first discussed th e mechanisms of action of the various therapeutic options and then out lined their treatment approaches for controlling acute disease and mai ntaining remission.