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 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
Q:
Can I take Sulfasalazine during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Sulfasalazine while breastfeeding?
A:
Sulfasalazine can pass into the breast milk and can affect the child. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Sulfasalazine?
A:
This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive unless you feel well.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Sulfasalazine?
A:
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.
References
View All
- EMA. Sulfasalazine. [Accessed 12 Sep 2019] (online)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Sulfasalazine. [Updated 2019 Sep 12
- Webmd. Sulfasalazine. [Accessed 12 Sep 2019] (online)
- Medscape. Sulfasalazine. [Accessed 12 Sep 2019] (online)
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