The following medications help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
- Aminosalicylates: These drugs, which include sulfasalazine and mesalamine, may help ease inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and keep your condition symptom free (in remission).
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone and prednisolone may keep flare-ups at bay. Ask your doctor about side effects, which may include high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and a higher risk of getting infections, acne, and vision problems.
- Immunomodulators: Inflammation fighters that suppress your immune system include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers such as infliximab.
- Antibiotics: Drugs such as ciproflaxin and mentronidazole may be used to help treat ulcers and fistulas. (Fistulas are abnormal connections between different structures in your body -- people with IBD may have them between one part of the intestine and another.)
- Antidiarrheal medications: Drugs to control diarrhea, such as loperamide, diphenoxylate, and psyllium, should be used with caution and only under your doctor's care.
Caution: Avoid NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which can make your symptoms worse.
The following medications help treat inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD): Aminosalicylates: These drugs, which include sulfasalazine
and mesalamine, may help ease inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and
keep your condition symptom free (in...
More
Stacy Wiegman answered:The following medications help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
Dr. Lawrence Friedman answered:Medications that control inflammation can help relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. The drugs used most commonly are aminosalicylates (cousins of aspirin); steroids (potent anti-inflammatory agents) such as prednisone and budesonide; and immunosuppressants and antibiotics. Biologic agents, including infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab pegol have also proved effective for selected patients with IBD. Natalizumab, an immunomodulator, has also been approved, with restrictions, to treat Crohn's disease.Medications that control inflammation can help relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. The drugs used most commonly are aminosalicylates (cousins of aspirin); steroids (potent anti-inflammatory agents) such as prednisone and budesonide;... More
