Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescriptionsOver-the-Counter TherapiesSurgeriesComplementary Medicine (CAM)Home Remedies and LifestyleFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Ulcerative Colitis GuideWhat Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prescriptions
Over-the-Counter Therapies
Surgeries
Complementary Medicine (CAM)
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Ulcerative Colitis Guide
If you’ve beendiagnosedwithulcerative colitis, your treatment plan will take into consideration your specific symptoms and how long you have had the disease. A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, from antidiarrheals to antibiotics toanti-inflammatories, may be considered along with lifestyle modifications.
Probiotics may also be recommended to help restore healthy gut bacteria. In more severe cases, surgical procedures to remove diseased parts of the colon can provide relief and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Find What Works for YouFinding what works best for you may take some trial and error on the part of you and your healthcare provider. Sometimes a treatment that was working stops providing relief, and your regimen may need to be changed.
Find What Works for You
Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error on the part of you and your healthcare provider. Sometimes a treatment that was working stops providing relief, and your regimen may need to be changed.
Many different classes of medications are used to treatsymptoms of ulcerative colitis, alone or in combination. Some may be taken regularly, while other fast-acting drugs are given on a short-term basis to treat an active flare-up.
Some of them can have serious side effects, so it’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider and weigh the risks and benefits of continued treatment.
Ulcerative Colitis Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. They include:
Immune System Suppressors
Antibiotics
Antibioticsmay be prescribed if an infection in the colon is suspected, but people with ulcerative colitis are sometimes counseled against the use of antibiotics when they are not clearly needed, as they can cause diarrhea.
Some researchers think there may be a connection between antibiotic use and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one form of which is ulcerative colitis. This theory is yet unproven, with only a few studies and anecdotal evidence to support it.
Certain OTC medications may be used to relieve some symptoms of ulcerative colitis, though they are used in conjunction with prescription drugs because they do not address the underlying causes of the disease.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before purchasing OTC medications. Here are some that may be recommended:
About 30% of people with ulcerative colitis will require surgery to get relief from symptoms, dangerous medication side effects, or to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Emergency surgery is sometimes required if there is a sudden perforation of the colon or massive bleeding. The surgery, called a colectomy, involves removal of the large intestine (colon).
There are various types of colectomy surgery, with these two being the most common in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. You and your surgeon will discuss which option is best for you, based your specific symptoms and overall health status, as well as lifestyle and personal preferences.
“J-Pouch” Surgery
In this procedure—officially known as proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA)—the large intestine and most of the rectum are removed, and a small reservoir (called a J-pouch) is created out of the small intestine and attached to the remaining portion of the rectum just above the anus.
Because the muscles of the anus (anal sphincter) are not removed, this procedure allows people to remain in control of their bowels.
When the J-pouch is done for ulcerative colitis, it is considered a treatment, not a cure, because certain manifestations of IBD that can occur outside of the intestines are still possible. Furthermore, because intestinal tissue remains, the procedure does not eliminate the risk of colon cancer.
Total Proctocolectomy
This surgery involves complete removal of the large intestine, rectum, and anus, and permanently cures ulcerative colitis and eliminates the risk of colon cancer. However, because the rectum and anus are removed, you must have a permanent ileostomy.
In an ileostomy, a surgeon brings the end of the lowest portion of the small intestine (ileum) out through an opening in the abdominal wall (stoma).
People who have an ileostomy must always wear a plastic bag (ileostomy bag) over the opening to collect the stool that comes out.
While some of these remedies are believed to be effective in alleviating symptoms, none have undergone extensive clinical research. Furthermore, their role in the prevention of disease progression is unknown.
Here are three that have begun to attract the attention of medical researchers:
Probiotics
Probiotics are believed to be beneficial in managing ulcerative colitis and other chronic digestive disorders. Probiotics contain so-called “friendly” bacteria are often able to control more harmful bacteria while reducing inflammation and improving the protective mucus lining of the gut.
Aloe Vera Gel
Pure aloe vera gel—from inside the leaf of the aloe plant—has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect in people with ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera juice, however, may have a laxative effect and is therefore not a good choice if you have diarrhea.
Boswellia
Boswelliais a medicinal herb derived from a tree native to India. The active ingredient is found in the resin of the bark and is believed to have robust anti-inflammatory effects. In its extracted form, Boswellia is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is said to do so without the stomach irritation often seen with conventional pain relievers.
Keep in mind that supplements and other forms of alternative therapies have not been stringently tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, or individuals with medical conditions.
Always tell your healthcare provider about any supplements, herbs, orhomeopathic remediesyou are taking or that you may want to try.
Herbs and Essential Oils for Ulcerative Colitis
Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski
Technically, there is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis, though treatments can manage its symptoms.Learn MoreCure or Remission in Ulcerative Colitis
Technically, there is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis, though treatments can manage its symptoms.
Learn MoreCure or Remission in Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgent need to empty bowels, and loss of appetite.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet :News from the IBD Help Center: Aminosalicylates. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet: News from the IBD Help Center: Corticosteroids. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication Options for Ulcerative Colitis.Bernstein CN.Is antibiotic use a cause of IBD worldwide?.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2020;26(3):448-449. doi:10.1093/ibd/izz138National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ulcerative Colitis. September 2014.Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al.AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059Kühn F, Klar E.Surgical principles in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.Viszeralmedizin. 2015;31(4):246-50. doi:10.1159/000438894American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Ulcerative Colitis.Lin SC, Cheifetz AS.The use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2018;14(7):415-425.Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AH, et al.Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis.Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-56. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.What Should I Eat?.Jantchou P, Monnet E, Carbonnel F.[Environmental risk factors in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (excluding tobacco and appendicectomy)].Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2006;30(6-7):859-67.Sarlos P, Kovesdi E, Magyari L, et al.Genetic update on inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis: Review of the current literature.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014;5(3):304-21. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.304Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Ulcerative colitis treatment options.Additional ReadingFedorak, R.Probiotics in the management of ulcerative colitisJ Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec;49 Suppl 1. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000000368University of Michigan Medicine.Complementary and Alternative Therapies for IBD.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet :News from the IBD Help Center: Aminosalicylates. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet: News from the IBD Help Center: Corticosteroids. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication Options for Ulcerative Colitis.Bernstein CN.Is antibiotic use a cause of IBD worldwide?.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2020;26(3):448-449. doi:10.1093/ibd/izz138National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ulcerative Colitis. September 2014.Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al.AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059Kühn F, Klar E.Surgical principles in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.Viszeralmedizin. 2015;31(4):246-50. doi:10.1159/000438894American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Ulcerative Colitis.Lin SC, Cheifetz AS.The use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2018;14(7):415-425.Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AH, et al.Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis.Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-56. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.What Should I Eat?.Jantchou P, Monnet E, Carbonnel F.[Environmental risk factors in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (excluding tobacco and appendicectomy)].Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2006;30(6-7):859-67.Sarlos P, Kovesdi E, Magyari L, et al.Genetic update on inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis: Review of the current literature.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014;5(3):304-21. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.304Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Ulcerative colitis treatment options.Additional ReadingFedorak, R.Probiotics in the management of ulcerative colitisJ Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec;49 Suppl 1. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000000368University of Michigan Medicine.Complementary and Alternative Therapies for IBD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet :News from the IBD Help Center: Aminosalicylates. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet: News from the IBD Help Center: Corticosteroids. October 2018.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication Options for Ulcerative Colitis.Bernstein CN.Is antibiotic use a cause of IBD worldwide?.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2020;26(3):448-449. doi:10.1093/ibd/izz138National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ulcerative Colitis. September 2014.Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al.AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059Kühn F, Klar E.Surgical principles in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.Viszeralmedizin. 2015;31(4):246-50. doi:10.1159/000438894American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Ulcerative Colitis.Lin SC, Cheifetz AS.The use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2018;14(7):415-425.Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AH, et al.Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis.Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-56. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.What Should I Eat?.Jantchou P, Monnet E, Carbonnel F.[Environmental risk factors in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (excluding tobacco and appendicectomy)].Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2006;30(6-7):859-67.Sarlos P, Kovesdi E, Magyari L, et al.Genetic update on inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis: Review of the current literature.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014;5(3):304-21. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.304Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Ulcerative colitis treatment options.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet :News from the IBD Help Center: Aminosalicylates. October 2018.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet: News from the IBD Help Center: Corticosteroids. October 2018.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication Options for Ulcerative Colitis.
Bernstein CN.Is antibiotic use a cause of IBD worldwide?.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2020;26(3):448-449. doi:10.1093/ibd/izz138
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ulcerative Colitis. September 2014.
Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al.AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059
Kühn F, Klar E.Surgical principles in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.Viszeralmedizin. 2015;31(4):246-50. doi:10.1159/000438894
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Ulcerative Colitis.
Lin SC, Cheifetz AS.The use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2018;14(7):415-425.
Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AH, et al.Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis.Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-56. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.What Should I Eat?.
Jantchou P, Monnet E, Carbonnel F.[Environmental risk factors in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (excluding tobacco and appendicectomy)].Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2006;30(6-7):859-67.
Sarlos P, Kovesdi E, Magyari L, et al.Genetic update on inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis: Review of the current literature.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014;5(3):304-21. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.304
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Ulcerative colitis treatment options.
Fedorak, R.Probiotics in the management of ulcerative colitisJ Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec;49 Suppl 1. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000000368University of Michigan Medicine.Complementary and Alternative Therapies for IBD.
Fedorak, R.Probiotics in the management of ulcerative colitisJ Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec;49 Suppl 1. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000000368
University of Michigan Medicine.Complementary and Alternative Therapies for IBD.
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