Crohn's disease refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that affects the lining of the digestive tract. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramping, bloody stool, ulcers and a poor appetite. Fortunately, some common drugs for Crohn's disease exist to reduce these symptoms.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine, commonly sold as Azulfidine or Sulfazine, refers to an anti-inflammatory medication that decreases the amount of inflammation, tissue damage and diarrhea within the intestinal tract. Drugs.com says that sulfasalazine also treats ulcerative colitis (another type of inflammatory disease) and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of sulfasalazine's less serious side effects include dizziness, a headache, ringing in the ears, a poor appetite, vomiting, a skin rash and itching. Sulfasalazine's serious side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, burning pain during urination, pale skin and decreased urination. Call a physician when sulfasalazine leads to these effects. Suffering from asthma and kidney or liver disease may require a reduction in sulfasalazine's dose. Sulfasalazine is available as a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Mesalamine
Mesalamine, commonly sold as Apriso, Lialda, Asacol or Pentasa, is another anti-inflammatory drug that treats Crohn's disease. Drugs.com says that it reduces inflammation, diarrhea and tissue damage. It also says that mesalamine treats ulcerative colitis, proctitis and proctosigmoiditis. Some of mesalamine's less serious side effects include dizziness, a headache, vomiting, stomach cramps, constipation and gas. Mesalamine may lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Mesalamine is a capsule taken once a day or as prescribed.
Mercaptopurine
Mercaptopurine, commonly sold as Purinethol, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antimetabolites. This medication reduces Crohn's disease symptoms but it also treats leukemia. MedlinePlus indicates that some of mercaptopurine's common side effects include a poor appetite, weakness, darkening of the skin and achiness. Some of mercaptopurine's serious side effects include a sore throat, fever, black or bloody stools, easy bleeding or bruising and a rash. Phone a doctor when mercaptopurine leads to these effects. Taking allopurinol, aspirin and warfarin may interact with mercaptopurine. This medication is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
