Medication Treatment for Pain From Colitis
Colitis is a chronic digestive disease where the colon becomes inflamed. Experiencing intensive pain is a common symptom of colitis, but thankfully this pain is treatable..
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Types
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Doctors recommend using Tylenol (acetaminophen) for treating the abdominal pain associated with colitis. However medications not recommended for colitis pain include naproxen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), since these medications may cause increased inflammation and worsening of colitis symptoms (See reference 3). Anti-inflammatory medications, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, laxatives and/or iron supplements can have the added benefit of pain relief when used during treatment of colitis (see Reference 1).
Function
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Medications for treating colitis pain function by reducing inflammation in the colon. The exact mechanism for reducing inflammation varies between medications.
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Considerations
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Medications alone may not effectively treat colitis. Dietary changes, such as limiting dairy products, increasing fiber intake, eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms may decrease severity of pain (see Reference 1).
Side Effects
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Side effects of colitis medications vary based on the type of medication used. Immune system suppressants can increase risk of infectious disease and damage to kidney, liver and other bodily organs. While anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may cause weight gain and hypertension. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage, and laxatives may lead to severe dehydration (see Reference 1 & 2).
Nicotine Patches
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Nicotine patches seem to reduce severity of pain for a short duration in individuals with colitis (see reference 1). The exact reason for this effect is unknown and using tobacco products is not encouraged as a treatment for colitis pain.
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