Generic name: sulfasalazine (SUL fa SAL a zeen)
Brand name: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs, Sulfazine
Dosage forms: oral delayed release tablet (500 mg); oral tablet (500 mg)
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates, Antirheumatics
Sulfasalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), and to decrease the frequency of UC attacks. Sulfasalazine will not cure ulcerative colitis, but it can reduce the number of attacks you have.
Sulfasalazine is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children and adults who have used other arthritis medicines that did not work or have stopped working.
Sulfasalazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use sulfasalazine if you have porphyria, a blockage in your bladder or intestines, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, aspirin, or similar medicines called salicylates.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sulfasalazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a blockage in your bladder or intestines;
- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
- an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
- an allergy to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- frequent infections;
- asthma;
- low blood cell counts; or
- liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Taking sulfasalazine can make it harder for your body to absorb folic acid, and folic acid helps prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain or spine. You may need to take folic acid supplements if you take sulfasalazine during pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sulfasalazine can pass into breast milk and may cause diarrhea or bloody stools in a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Sulfasalazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
How should I take sulfasalazine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take sulfasalazine after a meal.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Drink plenty of liquids to keep your kidneys working properly while you are taking sulfasalazine.
Sulfasalazine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using sulfasalazine.
Sulfasalazine may cause your skin or urine to appear orange-yellow in color. Call your doctor if you also have yellowing of your eyes, brown urine, or stomach pain. These may be signs of liver problems.
If you are treating arthritis, do not stop using any of your other arthritis medicines until your doctor tells you to. Sulfasalazine may not improve your symptoms right away, and you may still need your other medicines for awhile.
Sulfasalazine is only part of a complete treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that may also include rest and physical therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, or seizure.
What should I avoid while taking sulfasalazine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Sulfasalazine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:
- fever, chills, sore throat;
- mouth sores, red or swollen gums;
- pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or
- chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- fever with headache, rash, and vomiting;
- a skin rash, no matter how mild;
- severe nausea or vomiting when you first start taking sulfasalazine;
- little or no urination, urine that looks foamy;
- puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain; or
- liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
- headache;
- rash; or
- low sperm count in men.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect sulfasalazine?
Other drugs may affect sulfasalazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.