Ulcerative colitis remission maintenance

Long-term therapy to prevent ulcerative colitis relapse in patients in remission. Standard therapy: aminosalicylates (mesalazine); in steroid-dependent disease, thiopurines and biologics. Additional approaches (curcumin, probiotics) are discussed as options with limited evidence.

ICD-10 K511 drug

Also known as: UC maintenance therapy

Drugs used for this condition

DCurcumin (Curcuma longa extract)Add-on therapy · Herbal anti-inflammatory agentsThe 2020 Cochrane review (7 RCTs, more than 380 patients) showed a moderate reduction in ulcerative colitis relapse rate with curcumin 1–3 g daily added to baseline mesalazine therapy. The effect is confirmed in small RCTs and requires reproduction in large multicentre trials. Major societies (AGA, ECCO) do not include curcumin in UC management standards. Decisions are individualised with a gastroenterologist.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit