Sulfasalazine

Molecule Description

Sulfasalazine is a medicine that acts on those substances that cause inflammati

on in the body. It is prescribed particularly in those patients who do not respond satisfactorily to other drugs.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Sulfasalazine

Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
Rheumatoid arthritis/ juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Uveitis

Contraindications of Sulfasalazine

When should one not use Sulfasalazine

Patients suffering from porphyria, as Sulfonamides have been reported to precipitate an acute attack
Patients allergic to Sulfasalazine, its metabolites, Sulfonamides or Salicylates

Side effects of Sulfasalazine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Allergic reaction like fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips, throat
Some infections may occur while you are on this medicine Hemolytic anemia
Stop the medicine instantly and call your doctor right away if you experience the following symptoms:
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Sore throat, painful swallowing, cough, breathing problem
Fainting, slow or fast breathing or heart beat
Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, cold, sudden weakness
Chest pain, cough with green or yellow discharge, wheezing
Sore or swollen gums
Sore skin, easy bruising, bleeding from unusual parts
Nausea, vomiting
Swelling on face, feet, ankles
Problems with urination

Precautions and Warnings of Sulfasalazine

Pregnancy

Can I take Sulfasalazine during pregnancy?

Avoid this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is not known to harm the unborn baby. Use this medicine during pregnancy only when needed under doctor's consultation.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Sulfasalazine while breastfeeding?

Sulfasalazine can pass into the breast milk and can affect the child. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Sulfasalazine?

This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive unless you feel well.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Sulfasalazine?

Please limit your alcoholic beverages.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Liver or kidney problems
Inherited condition known as Glucose-6-Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Currently have or have had asthma
This medicine may lead to make you more sensitive to the sun thereby limit your time in the sun during day
It is beneficial to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing before going outdoors.

Mode of Action of Sulfasalazine

How Does It Work?

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory medicine. It acts on the connective tissue, liver, intestines and blood to decrease the inflammation of the affected region.

Interactions of Sulfasalazine

Interactions with other medicines

Deferiprone, Ketorolac, MMR vaccine (live), Methotrexate, Varicella vaccine (live), Aspirin.

Interactions with food items

Interactions with multivitamins and few herbs are known. Talk to your doctor about any specific herbs or herbal medicines you might be taking.

Dietary Restrictions of Sulfasalazine

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Sulfasalazine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage of Sulfasalazine

Overdose

Excess Sulfasalazine ingestion may cause abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea, vomiting, convulsions and drowsiness. Reach nearby hospital for seeking medical consultation.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If the time for the next dose is near, skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my health care expert before taking Sulfasalazine?

You must inform your doctor if you are suffering from any heart, kidney, asthma or liver diseases
If you are on aspirin or salicylates
If you are allergic to Sulfa drugs
If you suffer from any obstruction in your kidney or bladder
If you suffer from any blood disorder, chronic infections
If you G6PD enzyme deficient or have a condition called porphyria
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, supplements or herbs

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

A: You must take medicine precisely the way it is prescribed by the physician. Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label. Do not alter the dose unless recommended by your doctor. Do not take it longer than advised. Take medicine after a meal. The coating on the tablet is to protect your stomach. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole. Your doctor might advise you repeated tests as this drug can weaken your immune system.

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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