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Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine
Pronunciation
(sul fa SAL a zeen)
Brand Names
Azulfidine®; Azulfidine® EN-tabs®
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Apo-Sulfasalazine® (Canada); PMS-Sulfasalazine (Canada); Salazopyrin® (Canada);
Salazopyrin EN-Tabs® (Canada); S.A.S™ (Canada)
Therapeutic Categories
5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative; Anti-inflammatory Agent
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
- Another use is in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
How does it work?
- Sulfasalazine works to decrease the irritation and inflammation caused by
ulcerative colitis.
How is it best taken?
- Swallow enteric-coated tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. Take
with a whole glass of water.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who
have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and
after medicine is given. Shake suspension well first. Use at bedtime.
- Do not take iron or folic acid with this medicine. Separate them.
- Drink plenty of liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare
provider.
- Take entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear
protective clothing and eyewear.
- Be careful with G-6-PD deficiency.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are on warfarin.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Sperm counts and motility can be decreased. This is reversible within 2
months after the medicine is stopped.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Belly pain and cramps.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Belching or burping.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard
candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
What should I monitor?
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- If you see tablet bits in the stool.
- Cramping, belly pain, or bloody diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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