Prospects of MMX Mesalazine in Routine Outpatient Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Aim. A general review of treatment approaches to ulcerative colitis (UC) and the importance of oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) for its routine outpatient management.Key points. The choice of drug therapy for UC remission induction and maintenance is linked to the intestinal lesion extent and disease attack severity. The 5-ASA therapy remains the mainstay UC treatment in routine outpatient practice, with prescription rate of 80–90%. Oral 5-ASA drugs are often used in monotherapy or when oral and rectal 5-ASAs are recommended in combination. As a sustained-release medication, the MMX mesalazine multi-matrix delivery system provides for higher active substance dosages along entire colonic mucosa, including its distal portions. A higher active substance dosage per tablet reduces the number of intakes and ensures a better patient adherence, both in terms of daily and long-term therapy.Conclusion. The 5-ASA drugs are most commonly prescribed in outpatient practice. Sustained-release 5-ASAs provide for a more effective active ingredient distribution at higher dosages along colonic mucosa.