Which medicine decreases CRP level? A guide to anti-inflammatory therapies

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show a significant association between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and various inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease. While many factors influence CRP, a physician may prescribe medication to address the underlying cause of inflammation, but which medicine decreases CRP level effectively? The answer depends entirely on the root issue, whether it is an infection, autoimmune disease, or other inflammatory process.

Quick Summary

Several classes of medications, such as statins, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and biologics, are known to help lower elevated C-reactive protein by targeting the body's inflammatory response. The specific medication depends on the diagnosed underlying medical condition causing the inflammation.

Key Points

Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin reduce CRP through anti-inflammatory mechanisms beyond their lipid effects.
Corticosteroids: These are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that effectively lower CRP by suppressing the immune system and are used for severe inflammatory conditions.
Biologics: Targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) can significantly decrease CRP by blocking specific inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6.
NSAIDs: The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on CRP varies; some, like naproxen, may decrease it, while others might not have a significant effect.
Underlying Cause: The best way to lower CRP is to treat the underlying condition causing the inflammation; CRP is a marker, not the disease itself.
Medical Consultation: Treatment should be guided by a healthcare provider after a proper diagnosis, as medication choice is dependent on the specific cause of inflammation.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels are not a disease in themselves but rather an indicator that inflammation is occurring somewhere in the body. For this reason, a high CRP level often prompts a physician to investigate further, seeking the root cause. Addressing the underlying condition is the primary method of lowering CRP, and several classes of medication are prescribed for this purpose. The choice of medication is based on the specific diagnosis, such as a statin for cardiovascular risk, a biologic for an autoimmune condition, or an antibiotic for an infection.

Statins and their anti-inflammatory properties

Statins are a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, but studies have demonstrated a significant, independent effect in reducing high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels. This anti-inflammatory action is a key benefit, especially for individuals at risk of cardiovascular events, even those with relatively low cholesterol. The mechanism by which statins lower CRP is multifaceted and is not directly tied to their lipid-lowering effects.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) suppression: Statins can interrupt the production of IL-6, a cytokine that stimulates CRP production by the liver.
Reduction of oxidized LDL: By decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, statins also reduce oxidized-LDL, a known inflammatory mediator.
Endothelial cell modulation: Statins can suppress the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, decreasing the production of CRP-stimulating factors.

Examples of statins that reduce CRP include atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Corticosteroids and NSAIDs

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that are highly effective at suppressing the immune system and reducing severe inflammation. They are commonly used for rheumatologic conditions like arthritis. Due to their potent effect on inflammatory pathways, corticosteroids can rapidly and significantly lower CRP levels.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

The effect of NSAIDs on CRP is more complex and depends on the specific drug.

Naproxen: Some studies show that naproxen can cause a significant decrease in CRP.
Other NSAIDs: Other NSAIDs may not show a significant effect on CRP overall.
COX-2 selective NSAIDs: Certain COX-2 selective NSAIDs, such as lumiracoxib (now withdrawn), have been associated with an increase in CRP levels.

Biologic therapies

Biologic drugs are targeted therapies used for severe inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. These medications interfere with specific inflammatory pathways, leading to significantly lower CRP levels.

Tocilizumab: This biologic specifically inhibits interleukin-6, a major driver of inflammation and CRP production. It is so effective at lowering CRP that a normal CRP reading can be misleading in a patient on this drug, even if they have an infection.
Anti-TNF agents: Infliximab and adalimumab are examples of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents that reduce inflammation by blocking TNF-alpha. These can lead to significant CRP reductions in patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis.

Other medications that may lower CRP

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors

Certain medications for high blood pressure, including ARBs (valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, telmisartan) and ACE inhibitors (ramipril, captopril, fosinopril), have been shown to reduce CRP levels.

Antidiabetic agents

Some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, specifically thiazolidinediones like rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, can reduce CRP levels.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics do not directly lower CRP but treat underlying bacterial infections, which are a major cause of high CRP. As the infection resolves, the body's inflammatory response subsides, and CRP levels decrease. Monitoring CRP levels can be useful for assessing the efficacy of antibiotic treatment.

Comparison of key CRP-lowering medications


Medication Class	Examples	Primary Use	Mechanism of CRP Reduction	Considerations
Statins	Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin	Lowering cholesterol, cardiovascular risk prevention	Inhibits IL-6 production, reduces oxidized-LDL	Can lower CRP independently of cholesterol; not for all inflammation causes
Corticosteroids	Prednisone, Dexamethasone	Treat severe inflammation (e.g., autoimmune conditions)	Potent suppression of immune and inflammatory pathways	Significant side effects with long-term use; for severe cases
NSAIDs	Naproxen, Ibuprofen	Pain, fever, mild inflammation	Inhibits prostaglandins (naproxen may decrease CRP)	Effect on CRP varies; long-term use has risks; not for all inflammation
Biologics	Tocilizumab, Infliximab	Treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases	Blocks specific inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha)	Targeted, highly effective but expensive; reserved for severe disease

Important considerations for CRP management

It is crucial to remember that CRP is a marker of inflammation, not the cause. Therefore, simply taking a drug to lower CRP without addressing the underlying issue is not the correct approach. Proper diagnosis is essential, as the same high CRP reading can point to vastly different conditions, from a simple infection to a chronic autoimmune disorder. A healthcare provider will determine the appropriate medication and treatment plan based on the underlying diagnosis and individual health factors.

Furthermore, lifestyle changes can also contribute significantly to reducing inflammation and, consequently, CRP levels. These include adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods.

Conclusion

Several classes of medication, including statins, corticosteroids, biologics, and certain NSAIDs, have shown the ability to decrease CRP levels by addressing underlying inflammatory processes. The appropriate choice of medication, however, depends entirely on the root cause of the inflammation, which must be accurately diagnosed by a healthcare professional. While medication can be a critical component of treatment, it is part of a broader strategy that includes addressing the specific medical condition and considering lifestyle modifications. Therefore, a high CRP reading should always prompt a medical consultation, not a self-prescribed solution focused on CRP reduction alone. For more on the effect of statins on CRP, read this article from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

The speed at which CRP decreases depends on the underlying cause of inflammation and the specific medication. For example, statins can begin to lower CRP within weeks, while antibiotics will lead to a drop in CRP as the infection resolves.

Yes, lifestyle changes can help lower CRP naturally by reducing systemic inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, regular exercise, and stress management are all beneficial strategies.

No. The effect of NSAIDs on CRP varies. Some studies have shown naproxen can decrease CRP, but others, particularly some selective COX-2 inhibitors, have been associated with an increase.

A doctor might prescribe a statin in this situation to leverage its anti-inflammatory effects and reduce cardiovascular risk. Studies show statins can prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with high CRP, even if their cholesterol is within a normal range.

A standard CRP test measures relatively high levels of inflammation, typically from an acute infection or injury. An hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) test is more sensitive and can detect lower levels of inflammation, making it useful for assessing cardiovascular disease risk.

Antibiotics do not directly lower CRP. Instead, they treat bacterial infections, which are a major cause of high CRP. As the infection is cleared, the body's inflammatory response subsides, and the CRP level naturally decreases.

No. You should always consult a healthcare professional. A high CRP reading is a signal of an underlying health issue. Self-treating without a diagnosis can prevent you from addressing the actual cause of the inflammation, which could be a serious medical condition.