Effects of mesalazine substitution on salicylazosulfapyridine-induced seminal abnormalities in men with ulcerative colitis

Some semen characteristics of eight male patients with clinically inactive ulcerative colitis were investigated. Semen analysis was carried out twice during salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) treatment and repeated twice after at least 3 months' treatment with mesalazine. The motility variables all showed significant improvement during mesalazine treatment: the graded motility (p less than 0.05), motility in percentage (p less than 0.01), and the penetration in egg white (p less than 0.05). The semen plasma was analyzed for mesalazine and the metabolite Ac-mesalazine during both regimens. There was no difference in the semen plasma concentration of mesalazine during the two regimens, whereas Ac-mesalazine was significantly higher during mesalazine treatment than during SASP treatment, indicating that other SASP metabolites, most likely sulfapyridine, are the agent causing the abnormal sperm characteristics. We suggest that pure mesalazine preparations are a safer alternative in young men with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Pharmacokinetics of a 5-aminosalicylic acid enteric-coated tablet and suppository dosage form

An Eudragit-L coated oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA; mesalazine) product (Mesasal), has been formulated to deliver 5-ASA to the distal small intestine and colon for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of this product to sulphasalazine (SASP; Salazopyrin) and to assess the pharmacokinetics of a suppository 5-ASA dosage form. Twelve healthy volunteers randomly received four single doses of 5-ASA delivering formulations not less than 1 week apart. (a) Mesasal tablets, 2 x 250 mg, fasting; (b) Mesasal tablets, 2 x 250 mg, fed; (c) Salazopyrin tablets, 3 x 500 mg (corresponding to 576 mg 5-ASA), fasting; and (d) Mesasal suppository, 1 x 500 mg, fasting. Plasma 5-ASA and acetyl-5-ASA (Ac-5-ASA) concentrations were followed for 48 h and urine and faecal concentrations for 72 h. Mesasal tablets (fasting) produced a greater area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), peak and time to peak for both plasma 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA than Salazopyrin. Median urinary recovery values were 21.7% for Salazopyrin and 35.5% for Mesasal (fasting) (P less than 0.01). This means that the systemic absorption was higher after Mesasal than after Salazopyrin. The total faecal recovery values were 38.3 and 26.5%, respectively (NS). Except for a delay of 1.5-.3 h in the time to peak of 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA plasma levels, the pharmacokinetics of Mesasal tablets were essentially the same in fasting or fed subjects. Suppository administration of 5-ASA resulted in a low median urinary recovery of 10.8%.

Inflammatory bowel disease

An increasing number of options are available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; the selection depends on the extent and severity of the disease. Experience with sulfasalazine and corticosteroids has led to a proliferation of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds and experimentation with alternative corticosteroid preparations. Given rectally 5-ASA is particularly effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis, and experience is accumulating with several oral formulations. Metronidazole is useful in some cases, and immunosuppressive agents have a role in some patients with chronic refractory disease. A variety of measures, such as nutritional therapy, surgery and psychosocial support, are important elements of therapy. Further therapeutic innovations are expected as the etiology and pathogenesis are clarified.

5-Aminosalicylic acid derivatives. Clinical and pharmaceutical evaluation

Several new 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivatives have been introduced for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD). In azo-bond preparations, 5-ASA is linked to an inert carrier (Balsalazide) or to another 5-ASA molecule (Dipentum). The pharmacokinetic profile is similar to salazosulphapyridine (SASP) and the preparations are as effective as SASP in treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and with fewer side effects. In controlled release preparations (Asacol, Pentasa, Salofalk), 5-ASA is coated with compounds resistant to low pH, but which deliver 5-ASA to the intestines at various rates at higher pH values. The drugs are as effective as SASP in maintenance of remission and in the treatment of mild to moderate flare ups in UC. A larger systemic absorption is found for the three preparations compared to SASP. The controlled release preparations seem promising in the treatment of Crohn's disease, but further studies are needed. The controlled release preparations should be the drugs of choice in patients with UC allergic to or intolerant of SASP and to males who wish to have children.

5-ASA enema therapy

5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) enema therapy has been a direct extension of our understanding of the pharmacology and metabolism of sulfasalazine. Clinical studies have documented the efficacy and safety of topical 5-ASA therapy in distal ulcerative colitis. Future clinical experience should clarify the role of topical 5-ASA in a variety of inflammatory bowel disease syndromes.

5-Aminosalicylic acid suppositories in the management of ulcerative colitis

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) suppositories have been used in the author's out-patient clinic in Bologna for the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis (UC). One hundred fifty-six patients with mild or moderate attacks of UC were treated using different protocols for controlling active disease. Improvement was observed in 88.5 percent of the therapeutic cycles after one month. A small preliminary maintenance study using only 400-mg suppositories of 5-ASA twice a day for 6 or 12 months showed a remission percentage similar to salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP).

Failure of 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas to improve chronic radiation proctitis

Radiation proctitis is a well-known complication of abdominal and pelvic radiation. Conventional medical and surgical treatment often is disappointing. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the active component in sulfasalazine and is effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. Four patients with radiation proctitis were treated with 4 g 5-ASA by enema nightly for two to six months. Patients were seen monthly, interviewed, and a sigmoidoscopic exam performed. No change was seen in the degree of mucosal inflammation on follow-up sigmoidoscopic exams. Three patients noted no change in their symptoms of bleeding, pain, or tenesmus. One patient noted initial improvement, but this was not sustained. 5-ASA enemas do not appear to be effective in the treatment of radiation proctitis.

Comparative efficacy of coated, oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (Claversal) and sulphasalazine for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis. International Study Group

The safety and efficacy of Claversal (coated, oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) 0.75 g/day) and sulphasalazine 1.5-2.0 g/day were compared for the maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis in a 1-year double-blind trial. Three hundred and thirty-four patients, whose disease was controlled on a stable dose of sulphasalazine (1.5-2.0 g/day) for a 1-month pre-trial, entered the study. On entry, patients were assigned in a random manner to continue sulphasalazine or to switch to coated 5-ASA. One hundred and thirty-one patients in the coated 5-ASA group and 142 on sulphasalazine were analysed for efficacy. No significant difference was observed between treatments with respect to the cumulative rate of relapse. Over the 12 months, 30 (28%) of the coated 5-ASA patients versus 29 (23%) of those treated with sulphasalazine had an exacerbation of their disease (log rank test P = 0.7011). The incidence of drug-related adverse events and subsequent withdrawals was similar. The high incidence of side-effects usually associated with sulphasalazine was not observed, probably due to the fact that this population was tolerant of sulphasalazine pre-trial. Of the 37 patients who reported adverse events with previous sulphasalazine therapy, however, only two (8%) of the 24 experienced those events when randomized to coated 5-ASA while five (38%) of the 13 who continued on sulphasalazine reported those same events. Coated 5-ASA is a safe, effective therapy for maintaining ulcerative colitis in remission.

Topical salicylate therapy (4-ASA and 5-ASA enemas)

Topical therapy with amino salicylate enemas is the treatment of choice for proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, and left-sided ulcerative colitis. Adjunctive sulfasalazine therapy is often required. Relapse rates of 80 per cent can be expected within 3 months of discontinuing therapy.

New oral salicylates in the therapy of chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease

Sulfasalazine has been the mainstay of therapy for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease of the colon. More recently, it has become clear that 5-ASA is the active moiety of the compound and that the sulfapyridine component is responsible for most of the adverse responses to sulfasalazine. The modes of action of sulfasalazine and 5-ASA have not been determined despite active investigations. There has been great current emphasis on the development of delivery systems to allow maximum concentration of therapeutically active 5-ASA in the colon or other gastrointestinal mucosal locations. Olsalazine accomplishes this goal by creatively coupling two molecules of 5-ASA to each other by a diazo bond. Bacterial azoreductases uncouple the parent drug and deliver 5-ASA to the colonic mucosa. Several pharmaceutical manufacturers have devised variations in mesalamine (5-ASA) coatings designed to release in pH and time-related manners. Oral Rowasa, Claversal, and Asacol accomplish distal delivery with acrylic coating of tablets. Oral Pentasa seems unique in distributing 5-ASA throughout the small bowel as well as the colon by utilization of small ethylcellulose-coated microgranules. For this reason, Pentasa may be particularly useful in the treatment of small bowel Crohn's disease. There are no data to suggest that patients unresponsive to oral sulfasalazine will respond to 5-ASA in any form, although it is possible that better toleration of the 5-ASA formulations will allow more effective dosage levels to be delivered. There are also preliminary data supporting synergism between oral and topical rectal 5-ASA in certain patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Experience with topical administration of 4-aminosalicylic acid in ulcerative colitis

4-Aminosalicylic acid was applied topically in a daily dose of 1.4 gm for two weeks in ten patients with ulcerative colitis. After favorable results, the therapeutic effects of 4-aminosalicylic acid and salazopyrin enemas were compared in a two-week cross-over open trial, in 20 patients suffering from recurrent ulcerative colitis involving the rectum and rectosigmoid. No significant difference was found in the changes of the endoscopic picture of the mucosa. The results did not show a significant difference between 4-aminosalicylic acid and salazopyrin enemas, either in the clinical activity or in the histologic picture. 4-Aminosalicylic acid seems to be a suitable drug for improving the clinical symptoms of ulcerative proctitis.

Coated mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) versus sulphasalazine in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis: a randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of a preparation of mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) coated with a pH dependent resin (Eudragit L) as compared with sulphasalazine in patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

DESIGN

Eight week randomised double blind parallel group study.

SETTING

Forty six gastroenterology outpatient clinics in seven countries.

PATIENTS

Two hundred and twenty patients aged 18-70 who met the following criteria: clinical activity index greater than or equal to 6 and endoscopic index greater than or equal to 4; no concomitant treatment for ulcerative colitis; no hypersensitivity to salicylates or sulphonamides. Of the 164 patients eligible for efficacy analysis, 87 received the coated preparation of mesalazine and 77 sulphasalazine. Most of the remaining patients (28 in each group) were ineligible for the efficacy analysis because of treatment with steroid enemas. All pretrial characteristics were comparable in the two treatment groups.

INTERVENTIONS

Coated mesalazine (Mesasal) 1.5 g daily or sulphasalazine 3.0 g daily for eight weeks. Compliance monitored by pill counts.

END POINT

Clinical and endoscopic remission.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Clinical activity measured by daily diary cards, assessment by investigators, and laboratory findings. Endoscopic evaluation at week 8. After four weeks 50 of 70 patients (71%) taking coated mesalazine and 38 of 58 (66%) taking sulphasalazine had achieved remission of their disease by eight weeks remission rates were 74% (37/50 patients) and 81% (35/43) in the two treatment groups respectively. Endoscopic remission at eight weeks was recorded in 20 of 41 patients (49%) taking coated mesalazine and 18 of 38 (47%) taking sulphasalazine. There was a higher incidence of adverse events among patients taking sulphasalazine (25/105; 24%) than among those taking coated mesalazine (16/115; 14%).

CONCLUSION

Mesalazine coated with Eudragit L is a safe, logical alternative to sulphasalazine.

Rowasa suspension enema (mesalamine, USP)

Rowasa (mesalamine) rectal suspension enema, a new product by Reid-Rowell, represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. It provides patients with an alternative therapy to the current oral and enema preparations. This treatment reduces the incidence of unwanted side effects and toxicity associated with oral therapy.

Newer 5-aminosalicylic acid based drugs in chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Since the discovery that 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the active moiety of sulphasalazine in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, several new 5-ASA based drugs have been developed. These consist either of slow- or delayed-release formulations of plain 5-ASA or sulpha-free azo compounds of 5-ASA. The different formulations and compounds have varying bioavailabilities, which makes it possible to use them alternatively in different clinical situations. A review of the literature is given, together with suggestions as to how the new drugs might be used in different clinical situations.

5-Aminosalicylic acid in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission: plasma levels after administration of a new rectal enema

Plasma levels of total 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) were determined after a single administration of 2 g and 4 g 5-ASA enemas to 6 patients with ulcerative colitis. The mean plasma levels and AUC values confirmed that the active substance is poorly absorbed by rectal route.

Delayed-release mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid): coat dissolution and excretion in ileostomy subjects

1. Delayed-release mesalazine has been formulated to deliver 5-aminosalicylic acid to the colon. We have therefore studied the ileostomy excretion and coat dissolution of this preparation. 2. Following ingestion of a single tablet 88% (range 69-114%) of the 400 mg dose appeared unchanged in the ileosomy effluent over the subsequent 12 h. 3. Ileostomy effluent pH appeared to be a major determinant of 5-aminosalicylic acid release. 4. In vitro studies revealed rapid coat dissolution above pH 7.0, slow dissolution between pH 6.0 and 7.0 and non-dissolution at pH 2.0 and 4.0.

5-Aminosalicylic acid as enemas or suppositories in distal ulcerative colitis?

Thirty-nine patients with documented active distal proctitis (less than 20 cm) received either 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) enemas (2 g in 100 ml) or suppositories 1 g b.i.d., in a controlled study. Twenty patients received enemas, while 19 patients received suppositories, for 30 days. No difference could be observed in terms of efficacy; however, it was the patients' opinion that treatment with suppositories was easier than that with enemas (p less than 0.01).

Comparison of delayed-release 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalazine) and sulfasalazine as maintenance treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis

To assess the safety and efficacy of delayed-release mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) as maintenance treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis, 100 patients with quiescent colitis were randomly grouped to receive either delayed-release mesalazine or an equivalent dose of enteric-coated sulfasalazine in a 48-wk trial. Groups were comparable for age, sex, and duration and extent of disease. Relapse rates at 48 wk were as follows: sulfasalazine 38.6% (95% confidence limits, 24%-54%) and mesalazine 37.5% (95% confidence limits, 24%-53%), chi 2 = 0.01, p greater than 0.90. Mean time to relapse, cumulative relapse rate, and relapse severity were similar in the two groups. Headaches and upper gastrointestinal symptoms--common at trial entry--improved to a greater extent in patients receiving mesalazine. Delayed-release mesalazine is an effective treatment for maintaining ulcerative colitis remission and is associated with fewer side effects than equivalent doses of enteric-coated sulfasalazine.