Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine Ingredients: Sulfasalazine
Representative Names: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs, Sulfazine EC

What is Sulfasalazine ?

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory agent. Sulfasalazine is used to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. Sulfasalazine is also used to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Sulfasalazine works to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of these diseases. Generic Sulfasalazine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Sulfasalazine ?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma
•blood disorders or anemia
•glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
•intestinal obstruction
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•porphyria
•severe allergies
•urinary tract obstruction
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Sulfasalazine, sulfonamides, salicylates, sulfonylurea, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazide diuretics (water pills), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take Sulfasalazine ?

Take Sulfasalazine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not suck or chew enteric-coated tablets. If Sulfasalazine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your Sulfasalazine doses at regular intervals. Do not take Sulfasalazine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Sulfasalazine in children. Special care may be needed. In general, children less than 2 years of age should not receive Sulfasalazine.

What if I miss a Sulfasalazine dose ?

If you miss a Sulfasalazine dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Sulfasalazine Interactions
What drug(s) may interact with Sulfasalazine ?

•digoxin
•female hormones, including contraceptives or birth control pills
•folic acid, vitamin B9
•fosphenytoin
•medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
•methotrexate
•other medicines that make you sensitive to the sun including some antibiotics, retinoinds (vitamin A analogs), or certain kinds of water pills (diuretics)
•phenytoin
•voriconazole
•warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Sulfasalazine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking Sulfasalazine ?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•bloody diarrhea
•chest pain
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•difficulty swallowing
•fever, chills, or sore throat
•joint or muscle aches
•painful, difficult or reduced urination
•pale skin
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching
•stomach cramps or pain
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•discolored urine or skin (orange-yellow color)
•dizziness
•headache
•increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
•indigestion
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•reduced sperm count (loss of male fertility)

What should I watch for while taking Sulfasalazine ?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. There is usually an improvement within a month. You may need about 6—12 weeks of treatment to get good results. It is important that you go on taking Sulfasalazine and only stop taking it on your prescriber's advice.

Sulfasalazine can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep Sulfasalazine out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Sulfasalazine can cause blood problems. You will need to have your blood checked while you are taking Sulfasalazine. Notify your health care provider if you notice sores that do not heal, unusual bleeding or bruising, or get a cold that does not improve.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Sulfasalazine.

Where can I keep Sulfasalazine ?

Keep Sulfasalazine out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.