Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting the digestive tracts, particularly the ileum, the lower portion of the small intestine. The chronic inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease is believed to be the result of an overactive immune system in which antibodies and innate immune cells attack normal intestinal flora, thereby producing swelling, ulcerations and bowel injury. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin are treatment options utilized to control the inflammation and symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic treatment prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections including those affecting the gastrointestinal tracts. Tetracycline is also prescribed to control the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines commonly associated with Crohn's disease, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Tetracycline exhibits bacteriostatic activity against these bacterial organisms by inhibiting the biosynthesis of proteins essential for bacterial generation and multiplication. By inhibiting the ability of these intestinal bacterial organisms to increase in size, the immune system decreases its production of antibodies and innate cells that cause the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is the antibiotic treatment commonly prescribed for the treatment of Crohn's diseases, notes Mayoclinic.com. Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria that thrive in low oxygen environments such as the gastrointestinal tracts, and thereby is an effective treatment option for bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tracts that causes the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease. Metronidazole exhibits bacteriostatic activity against these bacterial organisms by inhibiting their ability to produce proteins essential for their growth. Side effects commonly associated with metronidazole including tingling, numbness or pain in the extremities.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for the treatment of Crohn's disease, notes the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Ciprofloxacin is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and is used to destroy bacterial infections that cause an inflammation of the intestines. Ciprofloxacin is used to treat active Crohn's disease, as well as infections caused by Crohn's disease. Ciprofloxacin also relieves the symptoms associated with Crohn's disease.
