[New forms of 5-aminosalicylate in inflammatory intestinal lesions]

5 aminosalicylate (5 ASA) represents the active fraction of Salazopyrin. Various preparations, 5 ASA-based, are currently already marketed in the world. Some are reserved for the treatment of distal sites of inflammatory bowel diseases, in the form of enemas and suppositories. The others are used orally by preserving the Salazopyrin structure and its azoic link, like di-ASA (Dipentum) or by coating 5 ASA to allow its release in the distal bowel (Asacol, Claversal, Salofalk, Pentasa). In haemorrhagic recto-colitis, these various preparations have, in the whole, a similar effectiveness to that of Salazopyrin in controlling moderately active forms or in keeping the patient in remission. In Crohn's disease, proof of their activity has not yet been established. The major advantage of these new derivatives rests in their use on patients who do not tolerate or are allergic to Salazopyrin since they are quite well tolerated except for the occurrence of diarrhea.