Thanks to research and development there are several drugs that have been approved and are being used to help Crohn's patients deal with the symptoms of Crohn's and give them a better quality of life and new and better ones are on the horizon.

Prescription Drugs:

1. Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs contain sulfasalazine and oral formulations of mesalamine. Some of the brands are Asacol,? Colazal,.? Dipentum,? and Pentasa,?.
2. Steroids: Because of the side-effects caused by long term use of steroids, they are only used for short term symptom relief.
3. Immune Suppressing Drugs: Drugs such as Imuran?), 6-MP Purinethol?) are used to suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissue in the digestive system.
4. Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as metronidazole, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin are sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation and infection.
5. Infliximab: This drug was approved in 1998 and is the first biologic therapy approved for use for Crohn's. Remicade? is one brand. It was first only approved for use in patients who had not responded to other treatments but in 2002 it was approved for maintaining remission. It is given by IV infusion.

Over-the-counter Drugs:

*Note: No over-the-counter drugs should be used until you check with your doctor first.
1. Hemorrhoid Medications: Some of the over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications can help to relieve discomfort.
2. Antacids: Some of these meds can soothe the digestive tract.
3. Anti-diarrhea medications: Immodium is an example.

Herbal Supplements:
*Note: No herbal supplements should be used before checking with your doctor for possible adverse interactions with your prescription medications.

1. Yarrowworks as a blood purifier, and helps stop internal bleeding.
2. Cats Clawa traditional South American Indian treatment for dysentery and gastric ulcers.
3. Chamomileknown for its relaxing qualities, this soothing herb is usually found in teas.
4. Licoriceone of the oldest known herbal remedies, having been mentioned in writings as far back as 300 B.C., and this kind of licorice is different than that of flavored candies. This herb has a 2000-year history of helping to shrink swelling in the intestines.
5. Aloeolder than even licorice, aloe has been used to soothe pain and irritation for over 3500 years. It contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that aid in digestion and relieving the pain of Crohn's disease.