Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis

Publication Date: January 1, 2016
Last Updated: December 16, 2022

Treatment

Summary of Recommendations of the AGA Guideline on the Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis

In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, the AGA recommends treatment with budesonide over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Moderate , Strong )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, the AGA recommends treatment with budesonide over mesalamine for the induction of clinical remission. ( High , Strong )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis in whom budesonide therapy is not feasible, the AGA suggests treatment with mesalamine over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Moderate , Conditional (weak) )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis in whom budesonide therapy is not feasible, the AGA suggests treatment with bismuth salicylate over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Low , Conditional (weak) )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis in whom budesonide therapy is not feasible, the AGA suggests treatment with prednisolone (or prednisone) over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Very Low , Conditional (weak) )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, the AGA suggests against combination therapy with cholestyramine and mesalamine over mesalamine alone for the induction of clinical remission. ( Low , Conditional (weak) )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, the AGA suggests against treatment with Boswellia serrata over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Low , Conditional (weak) )
612
In patients with symptomatic microscopic colitis, the AGA suggests against treatment with probiotics over no treatment for the induction of clinical remission. ( Low , Conditional (weak) )
612
For patients with recurrence of symptoms following discontinuation of induction therapy for microscopic colitis, the AGA recommends budesonide for maintenance of clinical remission. ( Moderate , Strong )
612

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis

Authoring Organization

American Gastroenterological Association

Publication Month/Year

January 1, 2016

Last Updated Month/Year

November 6, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

This document presents the official recommendations of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute on the medical management of microscopic colitis.

Target Patient Population

Patients with microscopic colitis

Inclusion Criteria

Adolescent, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Treatment, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D046728 - Colitis, Microscopic

Keywords

diarrhea, microscopic colitis

Source Citation

Nguyen GC, Smalley WE, Vege SS, Carrasco-Labra A; Clinical Guidelines Committee. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis. Gastroenterology 2016;150:242–246.

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Technical Review