Crohn's disease is caused by an overactive immune system. In patients with Crohn's disease, the immune system attacks the intestines, leading to damage of the intestinal walls. This can lead to pain, diarrhea, and problems with bacterial infections. Most of the treatments for Crohn's disease involve trying to help modulate this abnormal immune response.
Anti-inflammatories
Medline explains that Crohn's disease is often treated with medications that help reduce inflammation, which can directly help ease some of the symptoms of this form of inflammatory bowel disease. Some of these anti-inflammatory drugs contain the compound mesalamine, which is most commonly found in the drug sulfasalazine. Patients who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine can be given other medications that contain mesalamine, which are known as 5-ASA agents. Corticosteroids, which are powerful inhibitors of inflammation, can also be used to treat Crohn's disease. One commonly prescribed corticosteroid is prednisone.
Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators are drugs that also help relieve inflammation, but instead of targeting the body's inflammatory response they work directly on the immune system. The Mayo Clinic explains that the two most commonly used immunomodulators for Crohn's disease are azathioprine and mercaptopurine. Other immunomodulators work by blocking a compound called tumor necrosis factor, which is important for activating the immune system. Medications that block this chemical include infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol. Methotrexate and cyclosporine are two other medications that can be used to treat severe Crohn's disease.
Antibiotics
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK) explains that patients with Crohn's disease often have problems with bacteria overgrowing in their intestines. These patients may require the use of antibiotics, which may include metronidazole, ampicillin, cephalosporin, tetracycline and/or sulfonamide.
Anti-diarrheal Medications
Because Crohn's disease can cause diarrhea, medications can be used to treat this symptom. Commonly used anti-diarrheals include loperamide, codeine, and diphenoxylate.
