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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications only as recommended by your doctor, and according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Medications are prescribed to help control inflammation and other symptoms.
Aminosalicylate Medications (5-ASA)
Common names include:
Aminosalicylate drugs help control inflammation in the colon. Precisely how they work is unknown. The active ingredient is released after bacteria in the bowel metabolize the drug.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. They are ordered for more severe episodes of inflammatory bowel disease. They may be taken by mouth, injected, or given by enema or suppository. Do not suddenly stop taking these medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions for tapering the dose.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Immune modifiers block the immune response that helps produce inflammation. These drugs take a long time (months) to work and are usually started with another, more fast-acting drug.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Antibiotics are given to treat infections. In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the bowel wall is more susceptible to infection once the lining of the small or large intestine is damaged. Infections are caused when bacteria penetrate the bowel wall. Antibiotics may also be prescribed before bowel surgery. Take antibiotics with food to decrease stomach upset. It is very important that you finish the complete course of therapy. Do not stop taking the antibiotics even if you feel better. Do not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.
Possible side effects include:
Common name: infliximab (Remicade)
Infliximab has been approved to treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that does not respond to other treatments. It also may be used to treat open, draining fistulas. Infliximab is a genetically engineered antibody that binds specifically to tumor necrosis factor and blocks its activity in the body. Infliximab is infused into a vein at prescribed intervals.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
These drugs are given to manage diarrhea during active episodes of the disease. They slow movement through the intestines. Although loperamide in liquid form is available without a prescription, the prescription-only capsule form is used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Possible side effects include:
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
Contact your doctor if:
References:
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.
Mosby's Drug Consult . Mosby, Inc.; 2002.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.
Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2000.
Rakel RE and Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2001.
Last reviewed March 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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