Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2026

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Sucralfate and hydrocortisone enemas in the treatment of active ulcerative proctitis--a randomized single-blind
S Ardizzone1, M Petrillo, C M Antonacci
1Gastrointestinal Unit, L. Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Sucralfate is a non-absorbable aluminium salt of sucrose octasulphate which in recent studies has proved to be of possible use in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis.
Aim:
The aim of this randomized, single-blind, study was to compare 10 g sucralfate with 100 mg hydrocortisone enemas in the treatment of 40 patients (26 male and 14 female; mean age 36.5 years, range 18-65 years) with active ulcerative proctitis, twice daily for 4 weeks.
Methods:
A clinical, sigmoidoscopic and histological assessment was performed before and 4 weeks after the start of the therapy.
Results:
Both treatments showed significant within-treatment improvement in clinical, endoscopic and histological grades (Wilcoxon's matched pair test, P < 0.05). Between-treatment comparisons, using the Mann-Whitney test, showed that hydrocortisone is more effective than sucralfate in improving the clinical score (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Sucralfate enema treatment, which was significantly less effective than hydrocortisone enemas in this study, has very limited use in the treatment of active ulcerative proctitis.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...

