Drug effective in ulcerative colitis is :
**Core Concept**
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. The treatment of ulcerative colitis involves a combination of medications to control inflammation, induce remission, and maintain remission. Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics are the main classes of drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a biologic medication that targets tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine involved in the inflammatory process of ulcerative colitis. Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha, has been shown to induce and maintain clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Infliximab works by binding to TNF-alpha, preventing its interaction with TNF receptors on the surface of immune cells, and thereby reducing inflammation and ulceration in the colon.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine, are effective in treating mild to moderate ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation in the colon. However, they are not as effective as biologics like infliximab in inducing clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe disease.
**Option B:** Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are effective in inducing clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation in the colon. However, they are not suitable for long-term use due to their side effects, and biologics like infliximab are often used as an alternative.
**Option C:** Immunomodulators, such as azathioprine, are effective in maintaining clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis by suppressing the immune system. However, they are not as effective as biologics like infliximab in inducing clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe disease.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Biologics like infliximab are effective in inducing clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, but they can increase the risk of infections and exacerbate underlying conditions like heart failure.
**Correct Answer: C. Infliximab**