Medication treatment

Infections and inflammation caused by Crohn’s Disease can be treated with a variety of drugs and medications. When a patient is in remission, medications can also be used to prevent the disease from reoccurring. The various medications include advanced anti-inflammation drugs, immune system suppressors and steroids.

That said, drugs and medications are generally not used as long-term treatment solutions. Many of these powerful drugs carry unpleasant side effects such as nausea, heartburn and increased susceptibility to other infections. If the side effects of the drugs cause more discomfort than the symptoms of the disease itself, then doctors may decide on trying a new avenue of treatment. In the meantime, researchers are continually working on new drugs and medications to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Here are some types of drugs used to treat Crohn’s disease:

• Anti-inflammation drugs: Patients are often treated with drugs containing mesalamine, a substance that reduces inflammation. One of the most commonly used drugs is called Sulfasalazine, although patients are also given Asacol, Dipentum or Pentasa. Side effects of these drugs include nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches.
• Cortisone or steroids: These drugs have the power to significantly reduce symptoms, especially at the onset of Crohn’s disease. The generic drug Prednisone is generally administered after diagnosis, with dosages being tapered off as the disease comes under control. One of the side effects from this group of drugs is increased susceptibility to infection.
• Immune system suppressants: The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but a widely believed theory is that over-reactive immune systems flood the intestines with white blood cells, causing inflammation. Drugs that suppress the immune system are believed to help reverse this trend. Side effects of these drugs are similar to those from anti-inflammation drugs and cortisone/steroids.
• Inflammation blockers: When other treatments fail, this group of medication is used in hopes of preventing inflammation from occurring. These drugs work by interrupting the body’s normal inflammation response.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat bacteria that builds up in the small intestine.
• Anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements: Patients of Crohn’s disease are vulnerable to dehydration if they regularly have diarrhea. Several anti-diarrheal drugs are available. Fluid replacement and electrolyte treatments are also available for people who become dehydrated.

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