Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat many types of infections that patients with IBD may suffer from. Antibiotics are also frequently used post-operatively to prevent infection.

It is important to take your antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare team and notify your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Antibiotics and IBD

Antibiotics are very helpful as part of a treatment plan for complications of Crohn’s disease such as abscesses, which are pockets of pus, and fistulae, which are abnormal connections of the intestine to other parts of the body. 

Clostridium difficile (also known as C. difficile or C.diff) is a bacteria that attacks the intestine and can cause fever, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Though anyone can acquire C. difficile, those with IBD are especially prone to this bacterial infection. C. difficile requires antibiotic treatment to get rid of it.

Antibiotics may be taken by mouth or through an intravenous infusion, depending on your doctor's recommendation. Patients with IBD, like everyone else, get infections outside of the digestive system from time to time. Some patients with IBD may be especially prone to infections if they have a weakened immune system from the medications they take to manage their IBD. In certain instances, these infections may require a course of antibiotic treatment.

You can learn more about antibiotics in our IBD Medication Guide or our antibiotics fact sheet.