Q: 22-year-old male with a known history of Ulcerative Colitis presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea. All of the following medications should be avoided except? 

A) Anticholinergic
B) Antidiarrheal
C) NSAIDs
D) Rifaximin
D) Narcotics


 Answer:  D

All medications which can predispose to toxic megacolon during acute exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis should be avoided. Rifaximin has recently been studied and found to be of benefit in treatment and maintenance of Ulcerative Colitis.



 References: 

1. Guslandi M, Petrone MC, Testoni PA. Rifaximin for active ulcerative colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2006;12:335. 

2. Gionchetti P, Rizzello F, Ferrieri A, Venturi A, Brignola C, Ferretti M, Peruzzo S, Miglioli M, Campieri M. Rifaximin in patients with moderate or severe ulcerative colitis refractory to steroid-treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Dig Dis Sci. 1999;44:1220–1221.