Inflammatoire darmziekte IV: Behandeling II - Farmacologische therapie

Medical treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD includes the following key medications.

The first option is Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine, which block prostaglandin and leukotriene production to prevent inflammation recurrence, making them suitable for two types of IBD such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Next, corticosteroids, like prednisone, are crucial for treating IBD flare-ups when aminosalicylate compounds are inadequate. These are administered intravenously at high doses to control inflammation during acute exacerbations but are not used to maintain remission.

The third drug category includes immunomodulators like azathioprine. These inhibit T-cell function and limit gut inflammation. Immunomodulators are effective in the long term, reducing corticosteroid needs and maintaining remission for years.

The fourth category is antibiotics, like metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, which decrease harmful bacteria and alter the microbiome, particularly in Crohn's disease with fistulas or abscesses.

Lastly, biologics, like ustekinumab, are interleukin blockers that target and block Interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, two proteins involved in IBD related inflammation.