Tag Archives: medications for ibd

Antidiarrheals Loperamide Safest of all the antidiarrheal drugs In Immodium  Diphenoxylate Codeine  **If having an active flare, should not be used. Inflammation is driving the diarrhea, it will only mask the issue. This can cause build up of more inflammation and increase the risk of severe inflammation, delay meds, colon dilation, and perforation. Bile salt […]

Antibiotics kill bacteria, the word means “opposed to life.” Antibiotics are used in different scenarios in Crohn’s and colitis, such as when a fistula has developed, in pouchitis, or other infections.    Types:  Metronidazole (Flagyl) Destabilizes bacteria by reacting with its DNA, causing breaks and leading bacterial cell death.  Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Proquin)  Blocks an enzyme […]

Overview: Biologics are manufactured through a biological process (rather than chemical process, as in pharmaceutical drugs) using human, animal, or microorganism sources. In Crohn’s and colitis, Biologics bind up inflammatory signals and inhibit the immune system’s ability to attack the bowels.  Types:  Anti-TNF drugs Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a […]

Overview: Immunomodulators are typically considered when patients aren’t achieving remission with steroids, aminosalicylates, or antibiotics. If your disease is severe, you may be offered immunomodulators as a first-line therapy.    Immunomodulators decrease the number of inflammatory cells in your body, including strongly inhibiting white blood cells. They are used to treat other autoimmune conditions as […]

Overview: Aminosalicylates do not suppress the immune system, so they reduce inflammation without decreasing the body’s ability to fight infection. They act locally on the bowel wall, so they produce less side effects. These are typically used as a first line therapy to treat mild disease due to their minimal side effects. They are much […]