These include medications that contain 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). These drugs are not specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in Crohn’s, yet they can work to decrease inflammation in the lining of the GI tract.

Aminosalicylates are thought to be effective in treating mild-to-moderate episodes of Crohn’s disease and useful as a maintenance treatment in preventing relapses of the disease. They work best in the colon and are not particularly effective if the disease is limited to the small intestine.

Examples:

• Sulfasalazine

• Mesalamine

• Olsalazine

• Balsalazide

References:

1. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease/treatment/medication