Sulfasalazine 

Generic name: Sulfasalazine 
Brand name: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs, Sulfazine
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates, Antirheumatics

What is Sulfasalazine?

Sulfasalazine will treat colitis ulcerative (UC) and reduce your risk of UC attacks. It is not a cure for the condition of ulcerative colitis but it may lessen the number of attacks that you suffer from.

Sulfasalazine can also be employed to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis for adults and children who have tried other arthritis drugs that did not perform or are no longer effective.

Sulfasalazine is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Warnings

Sulfasalazine should not be used when you suffer from porphyria or blockage in the intestines or bladder, or if you’re allergic to sulfa medications, aspirin, or similar medicines known as salicylates.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor

Sulfasalazine should not be used in case you have an allergy to the substance, or suffer from:¶

• obstruction in intestines or bladder;
• porphyria (genetic disease of the enzyme that results in symptoms that affect the nervous system, skin or the nerves);
• an allergy to sulfa-based drugs or
• an allergy to aspirin, or any of the salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula Pepto-Bismol Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Speak to your doctor if were ever diagnosed with:

• frequently infected;
• asthma;
• low blood cell count low blood cell counts
• Kidney or liver disease.

Inform your doctor when you’re pregnant. Taking Sulfasalazine can make it more difficult for the body’s ability to take in the folic acid and folic acid can prevent birth defects to the spine and brain of the baby. It is possible that you will need supplements with folic acid if you use this medicine during your pregnancy. Follow the directions of your doctor.

Sulfasalazine is a drug that can be absorbed into breast milk and could create vomiting and bloody stool for a nursing baby. Consult your physician if you nursing.

Sulfasalazine is not permitted for use by anyone who is less than two years old.

What should I do to take Sulfasalazine?

Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides and instructions sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.

Consume Sulfasalazine following a meal.

Suck the tablet completely and don’t crush, chew or break it.

You’ll need to take regular medical examinations.

Drink plenty of fluids to ensure that your kidneys function well while taking Sulfasalazine.

Sulfasalazine can alter the results of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you’re taking this medication.

Sulfasalazine can cause your urine or skin to appear to be orange-yellow. Contact your doctor if notice a yellowing in your eyes, brown urine or stomach discomfort. These are signs of liver disease.

If you’re suffering from arthritis, don’t discontinue using any other arthritis medications until your doctor has told you to. Sulfasalazine might not help the symptoms immediately however, you might require other medications for a time.

Sulfasalazine is just one component of a total treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that could include rest and physical therapy. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions carefully.

Keep at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.

What if I miss the dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you can, however, do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don’t take two doses at a time.

If I take too much?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, or seizure.

What should I be aware of when taking Sulfasalazine?

Follow your doctor’s advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks or activities.

Sulfasalazine side effects

Contact emergency medical assistance If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives and breathing problems and swelling in your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and sore throat burnt eyes, irritation and the skin is red or purple with peeling and blisters).

Consult a doctor when you experience a severe reaction to a drug that affects the body in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include an itch on your skin or fever, swollen glands, muscle aches extreme weakness, unusual bruising or the yellowing of your eyes or your skin.

It is possible to contract infections more often, including severe or fatal infections. Call your doctor immediately if you show signs of infection like:

• fever chills, fever and sore throats, chest pain
• mouth sores gum swelling or red;
• pale skin, no bruising or unusual bleeding;
• chest pain, wheezing, hack or dry cough rapid losing weight.

Make sure to contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from:

• The fever is accompanied by headache as well as rash and vomiting;
• a skin rash, regardless of however mild;
• extreme severe nausea or vomiting after the first time you start Sulfasalazine use;
• very little or no urination urine that appears to be foamy
• Eyes puffy, swelling around your feet or ankles swelling of your feet or ankles, weight gain
• issues with the liver, such as a loss of appetite and abdominal pain (upper right side) dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common side effects could be:

• nausea vomiting, nausea, vomiting nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite
• headache;
• The rash, or
• Low sperm count in males.

This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can have an effect on Sulfasalazine?

Other medications can affect Sulfasalazine other medications, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all your medications currently used and any medication you begin or stop taking.

Additional details

Keep this medication and other medications out of reach of children. Never give your medication to anyone else Use this medicine only for the purpose prescribed.

Always consult your doctor to confirm that the information provided on this page is applicable to your particular situation.