Medications for Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's Disease

Study Notes

Ulcerative Colitis Medications

Brand Name: Humira (adalimumab)
Generic: Mesalamine
Not for Ulcerative Colitis: Remicade (infliximab)
Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: Entyvio (vedolizumab)

Purpose of Medications

Reduce Inflammation: These medications are primarily used to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which is the root cause of the symptoms of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Aminosalicylates

Used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Reduce inflammation in the intestinal lining.
Examples include mesalamine, sulfasalazine, olsalazine, and balsalazide.

Immunomodulators

Suppress the immune response to reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Examples include azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and methotrexate.
Long-term use can increase infection risk and require monitoring for side effects.

Corticosteroids

Provide quick relief by reducing inflammation during flare-ups in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Examples include prednisone, budesonide, and hydrocortisone.
Typically used for short-term treatment due to side effects associated with long-term use.

Antibiotics

Used to address infections or complications associated with Crohn’s disease, particularly fistulas or abscesses.
Examples include metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.
Not the first-line treatment for ulcerative colitis, but used in specific cases for Crohn’s.

Biologics

Target specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation in moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Examples include TNF inhibitors, integrin inhibitors, and interleukin inhibitors.
Carry a higher risk of infections and are typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Description

Test your knowledge on medications used for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This quiz covers brand name and generic treatments, their purposes, and distinguishing which medications are not used for these conditions. Enhance your understanding of these inflammatory bowel diseases and their management.