Medications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Common names are:

• Sulfasalazine
• Mesalamine
• Balsalazide
• Olsalazine
• Rectal administration forms (Rowasa enema, Canasa suppository)

Aminosalicylate drugs help control inflammation in the colon.

Problems may be:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Skin rash

Common names are:

• Prednisone
• Methylprednisolone
• Budesonide
• Rectal administration forms (enema, suppository, foam)

Corticosteroids ease inflammation by suppressing the immune system. They are used in people who have severe symptoms. They may be taken by mouth, injected, or given by enema or suppository.

Problems may be:

• Infection
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Mood swings and depression
• Osteoporosis
• Acne

Common names are:

• Azathioprine
• 6- mercaptopurine (6-MP)
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus

Immune modifiers block the immune response that leads to inflammation. These drugs take months to work and are usually started with another, more fast-acting drug.

Problems may be:

• Bone marrow suppression
• Increased risk of infection
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

Common names are:

• Metronidazole
• Ampicillin
• Ciprofloxacin

Antibiotics are given to treat infections. Infections are more common in people with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis because the lining of the small and large intestine is damaged. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bowel wall.

Problems may be:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Bacterial colitis

• Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents:
  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Certolizumab pegol
  • Golimumab
• Integrin receptor antagonists:
  • Natalizumab
  • Vedolizumab

These drugs are used to treat severe symptoms that are not helped by other methods. TNF-inhibitors are antibodies that bind to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and block its activity in the body. Infliximab is infused into a vein. Adalimumab and certolizumab are taken at home.

Integrin receptor antagonists block the effects of leukocytes (white blood cells that cause inflammation). They inhibit a protein that coats the leukocytes and keeps them from moving into the tissues.

Problems may be:

• Problems breathing
• Hives
• Headache
• Infection
• Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of cancer—in children and teens

Common names are:

• Diphenoxylate-atropine
• Loperamide
• Codeine

These drugs are given to manage diarrhea. They slow movement through the intestines.

Problems may be:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation