In general, medications fall into one of two very broad categories: drugs that are used to reduce inflammation (and may therefore reduce some of your symptoms) and those that are aimed only at symptom-reduction and do not affect the inflammation in your gut.
Drugs that control the inflammation in your gut
Examples of the types of drugs available to combat inflammation include:
- Sulfasalazine and 5-Aminosalicylates (5-ASA): These drugs limit the production of certain chemicals that trigger inflammation. This medicine is generally prescribed to help combat milder attacks of Crohn’s or colitis. Examples include Mesalamines and Sulfalazine.
- Steroids: Steroids aim to reduce inflammation. This medicine is used in cases of moderate to severe attacks of Crohn’s or colitis. Some examples include Prednisone and Hydrocortisone. For more information see our section on steroid treatments.
- Immunomodulators: This type of medicine alters how the body mounts an inflammatory response. Patients using this type of drug should get into the habit of regular hand washing during the day, as immunomodulators do suppress your ability to fight infections in general. An example of this type of drug is Methotrexate. These drugs are used by patients who have moderate to severe attacks.
- Biologics: These drugs target and block molecules involved in inflammation. Biologics are the latest generation of medications and hold great promise for relieving Crohn’s and colitis. These drugs are used to combat moderate to severe attacks. Some examples include Adalimumab (Humira) and Infliximab (Remicade). Find out more about biologics on our biotherapies page.
- Biosimilars: Unlike conventional generic drugs, biosimilars are not identical to their innovator biologic. Minor variations in manufacturing processes between a biosimilar and its innovator biologic can result in unpredictable effects on patients. Crohn's and Colitis Canada celebrates the introduction of safe, effective and lower-cost treatment options like biosimilars for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), of which Crohn's and colitis are the two main forms. Find out more about biosimilars on our biotherapies page.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics do not counteract inflammation directly, but decrease infection that can cause and result from severe inflammation. Examples include Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole.
Drugs that manage symptoms
Note that many of these drugs are available “off the shelf” in your pharmacy. You should NOT self-prescribe; talk with your doctor first. Some off the shelf drugs, including vitamins and supplements, may interact with other medications and treatments.
To learn more about any of the drugs listed above, click on the image below to view our downloadable brochure "Prescription for Health: Medications and Crohn's Disease & ulcerative colitis" in PDF format.
- Antidiarrheals: Do not take these during a flare-up as they may cause other complications! Check with your doctor
- Ointments & suppositories: Off the shelf ointments can be applied around hemorrhoids to reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation. Most of these ointments contain a steroid such as hydrocortisone and will help to shrink inflamed tissue.
- Antispasmodics: Relax muscles in the wall of the GI tract to reduce cramping
- Bulk formers for stool: Soak up water in the stool, thereby firming it up and lessening looseness as well as frequency.
- Bile salt binders: Prevent irritation of the gut by capturing bile salts.
- Stool softeners: For softening feces to ease bowel movements if you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures; talk with your doctor before trying these!
- Analgesics: For pain reduction.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: For pain control in joints (but note that some people find these drugs aggravate their abdominal pain and diarrhea).
- Acid-reducing drugs: For “heartburn”
- Vitamins & minerals: May be needed as supplements.