The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A brief overview

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by the relapsing inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Corticosteroids have long been a cornerstone in the management of moderate to severe UC, particularly during acute flares. This review aims to provide a focused overview...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Radlović Aleksandar, Safiye Teodora, Mahmutović Elvis
Format: Article
Language:Serbian
Published: Pharmaceutical Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia 2025-01-01
Series:Arhiv za farmaciju
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Online Access:https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0004-1963/2025/0004-19632503167R.pdf
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Summary:Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by the relapsing inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Corticosteroids have long been a cornerstone in the management of moderate to severe UC, particularly during acute flares. This review aims to provide a focused overview of the rationale behind corticosteroid use, including their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and challenges in everyday practice such as steroid dependency, adverse effects, and inappropriate long-term use. Despite their effectiveness in inducing remission, corticosteroids are not suitable for maintenance therapy and should be used judiciously in combination with other treatments. Current best-practice recommendations emphasize minimizing steroid exposure and encouraging the use of steroid-sparing agents. Close monitoring by specialists remains essential for optimizing outcomes and ensuring patient safety.
ISSN:0004-1963
2217-8767