Cortisol for Treatment of Diarrhea & Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine. According to the University of Maryland, colitis can have many causes including infection, inflammatory disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, poor blood circulation and radiation therapy side effects.

Increasing Cortisol

• Depending on the cause of colitis, doctors prescribe drugs used to increase the body's production of cortisol. Cortisol-increasing drugs called corticosteroids are particularly effective in treating inflammatory disease like Crohn's disease.

Types of Corticosteroids

• Common corticosteroid brands used to treat colitis include, Celestone, Orapred, Cortef, Cortenema and Triacet. According to WebMD, corticosteroid treatments include oral capsules, suppositories and IV infusions.

Expected results

• According to WebMD, corticosteroids may improve or stop symptoms of colitis. However corticosteroids are for short-term use to put the disease into remission. Corticosteroids are not for long-term use.

Diarrhea and Colitis

• Diarrhea is a common symptom of colitis, and using corticosteroids may reduce the severity of such symptoms, according to WebMD. Other drugs used to treat diarrhea in colitis include Imodium and Loperamide-simethicone.

Common Side Effects

• Side effects for short-term corticosteroid use include increased risk of infection and high blood pressure.

Long Term Side Effects

• According to WebMD, long-term use side effects include weight gain, acne, psychosis, increased facial hair, bone damage, cataracts and mood swings.