Colonic targeting tract

In the recent years, the usage of polymeric materials for drug delivery matrix tablets has become prevalent. Current research into the utilization of the metabolic activity and the colonic environment in the lower gastrointestinal tract has attained immense value in the design of novel colon targeted drug delivery systems by the utilization of natural biodegradable polymers. 

To avoid the side effects of sulfapyridine, various preparations to target 5-ASA directly to sites of disease have been formulated. Also known as mesalamine, 5-ASA has been formulated in oral forms (Pentasa, Asacoi). Pentasa is a time-release capsule that releases the drug throughout the GI tract. Asacoi is a pH-dependent-release preparation that delivers drug to the distal small bowel and colon. The response of ulcerative colitis to this formulation appears to be identical to that seen with sulfasalazine. Mesalamine can also be administered as a suppository (Canasa) or enema (Rowasa) for distal colonic disease. 

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