Antibiotics
Healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat complications that might develop during a flare-up of
Crohn's disease. Examples of such complications include a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine caused by stricture, or fistulas. In some cases, if surgery is needed, antibiotics can help delay the return of
Crohn's disease symptoms after the surgery.
Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
- Ampicillin
- Sulfonamide
- Cephalosporin
- Tetracycline
- Metronidazole.
Antidiarrheals
While
diarrhea and cramping associated with Crohn's disease often improve as the inflammation improves, some people with the disease may require a fiber supplement or an antidiarrheal medication. These include:
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)
- Loperamide (Imodium®)
- Codeine.
Patients who are dehydrated because of diarrhea will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs), such as aspirin or
ibuprofen (
Motrin®, Advil
®), can actually make the
symptoms of Crohn's disease worse. You should talk to your healthcare providers about which types of medication you should avoid, and about the possible side effects of any medication your doctor prescribes.
You should also talk to your healthcare provider before taking any vitamin or herbal supplements. Some of them may be dangerous when taken by someone with Crohn's disease.
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