Examples

How It Works

Antibiotics kill bacteria, which may help control infection and inflammation in the intestines.

Why It Is Used

These medicines may be used to:

• Treat infections that develop because of Crohn's disease, especially when abscesses, abnormal connections (fistulas) between two parts of the intestines, or holes in the intestines or anal area occur.
• Treat active Crohn's disease.

How Well It Works

Antibiotics are used often to treat Crohn's disease. There is no good evidence that they work to control the disease. Antibiotics do help stop infections and heal abscesses and fistulas that happen because of Crohn's disease.¹

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ciprofloxacin

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Sudden pain after exercise (especially in your ankle, back of the knee or leg, shoulder, elbow, or wrist).
• Pain, burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• Fainting.
• An irregular or slow heart rate.

Metronidazole

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet.

Common side effects of these antibiotics include:

• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Mild stomach pain or cramps, nausea, loss of appetite.
• Metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum and iron or zinc supplements should be taken at least 6 hours before or 2 hours after taking ciprofloxacin.