Comparison of mesalazine suppositories in proctitis and distal proctosigmoiditis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Mesalazine suppositories at 500 mg b.d. are a safe and effective treatment for patients with ulcerative proctitis or distal proctosigmoiditis. Recently a mesalazine 1 g suppository (Pentasa) has been developed.

METHODS:

Fifty patients with active ulcerative colitis extending not beyond 20 cm from the anus on sigmoidoscopy, participated in a randomized single-blind study comparing the efficacy, tolerance and acceptance of the new Pentasa mesalazine 1 g suppository, given once daily versus Claversal mesalazine 500 mg suppository b.d.

RESULTS:

After 2 weeks, clinical remission was observed in 16 of 25 (64%) in the Pentasa group and in 7 of 25 (28%) in the Claversal 500 mg b.d. treated group; sigmoidoscopic remission occurred in 13 of 25 (52%) in the Pentasa group and in six of 25 (24%) in the Claversal group (P < 0.01). After 4 weeks, clinical and sigmoidoscopic remission were observed, respectively, in 84 and 76% of patients treated with Pentasa suppositories, and in 80 and 72% of patients treated with Claversal suppositories 500 mg b.d. (P = N.S.). The patients' evaluation for tolerability and practicality showed that the Pentasa suppository was significantly superior to the Claversal suppository.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pentasa 1 g suppository once daily induces a quicker clinical and sigmoidoscopic remission, and was better tolerated, than the Claversal 500 mg suppository b.d., and it may represent an advance for the topical treatment of distal proctosigmoiditis.

• Authors: P Gionchetti, F Rizzello, A Venturi, C Brignola, M Ferretti, S Peruzzo, M Campieri
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 11 Issue 6 Pg. 1053-7 (Dec 1997) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 9663829 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Suppositories
• Mesalamine

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mesalamine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Proctitis (drug therapy)
• Proctocolitis (drug therapy)
• Single-Blind Method
• Suppositories