Abstract

A 33-year-old female with a 15 year history of ulcerative colitis presented with worsening diarrhea following colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis six months previously. Following administration of 5-ASA enemas (Salofalk). the patient developed abdominal cramps. nausea and vomiting. and severe diarrhea resulting in hypotension. Symptoms abated quickly when the 5-ASA enemas, were discontinued. Although diarrhea and abdominal cramps have been described previously as side effects of oral sulfasalazine. oral 5-ASA and sulfasalazine enemas, this is the first report of these symptoms occurring following administration of 5-ASA enemas.