ARTICLES
Medications for Crohn’s Disease
Thanks to research and development there are several drugs that
have been approved and are being used to help Crohn’s patients
deal with the symptoms of Crohn’s and give them a better quality
of life and new and better ones are on the horizon.
Prescription Drugs:
1. Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs contain sulfasalazine and
oral formulations of mesalamine. Some of the brands are Asacol,® Colazal,.® Dipentum,® and
Pentasa,®.
2. Steroids: Because of the side-effects caused by long term use
of steroids, they are only used for short term symptom relief.
3. Immune Suppressing Drugs: Drugs such as Imuran®), 6-MP Purinethol®)
are used to suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking
healthy tissue in the digestive system.
4. Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as metronidazole, ampicillin and
ciprofloxacin are sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation and
infection.
5. Infliximab: This drug was approved in 1998 and is the first biologic
therapy approved for use for Crohn’s. Remicade® is one
brand. It was first only approved for use in patients who had not
responded to other treatments but in 2002 it was approved for maintaining
remission. It is given by IV infusion.
Over-the-counter Drugs:
*Note: No over-the-counter drugs should be used until you check
with your doctor first.
1. Hemorrhoid Medications: Some of the over-the-counter hemorrhoid
medications can help to relieve discomfort.
2. Antacids: Some of these meds can soothe the digestive tract.
3. Anti-diarrhea medications: Immodium is an example.
Herbal Supplements:
*Note: No herbal supplements should be used before checking with
your doctor for possible adverse interactions with your prescription
medications.
1. Yarrow – works as a blood purifier, and helps stop internal
bleeding.
2. Cats Claw – a traditional South American Indian treatment
for dysentery and gastric ulcers.
3. Chamomile – known for its relaxing qualities, this soothing
herb is usually found in teas.
4. Licorice – one of the oldest known herbal remedies, having
been mentioned in writings as far back as 300 B.C., and this kind
of licorice is different than that of flavored candies. This herb
has a 2000-year history of helping to shrink swelling in the intestines.
5. Aloe – older than even licorice, aloe has been used to
soothe pain and irritation for over 3500 years. It contains at least
three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that aid in digestion and relieving
the pain of Crohn’s disease.
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