Which medication is typically used for treating ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon, and its treatment often involves medications that reduce inflammation and promote healing of the intestinal mucosa. The correct answer includes 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid) and infliximab, both of which play significant roles in managing this condition.

5-ASA compounds, such as mesalamine, are commonly prescribed as first-line therapy due to their ability to exert topical anti-inflammatory effects on the colonic mucosa. They help alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and maintain remission by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), is used for moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis that do not respond adequately to conventional treatment. By inhibiting TNF-α, infliximab can help reduce inflammation and induce and maintain remission in patients with this condition.

The other medications listed do not target ulcerative colitis specifically. TMP-SMX is a combination antibiotic used primarily for bacterial infections, while pyrimethamine is used for treating parasitic infections, particularly malaria. Mebendazole is an antihelminthic agent used for paras