Effectiveness and absorption of rectal hydrocortisone acetate foam in nonspecific proctocolitis.

A 3-week open trial of rectal hydrocortisone acetate foam (Colifoam, Stafford Miller, UK) was conducted in 19 patients with active, nonspecific distal proctocolitis. Complete or near complete remission was observed in nine patients (47.4%). Absorption of hydrocortisone acetate from Colifoam was evaluated in 13 patients by measuring early morning serum cortisol before treatment and 12 and 36 h after the final dose. Normal cortisol values were observed in every instance, suggesting that the steroid component of Colifoam was not significantly absorbed. Colifoam seems to be an effective remedy for distal proctocolitis. Its specific advantages include ease of retention and apparent nonabsorption of the active component.