Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine

(sul fa SAL a zeen)

U.S. Brand Names

Azulfidine®; Azulfidine® EN-tabs®; Sulfazine; Sulfazine EC

Canadian Brand Names

Alti-Sulfasalazine; Salazopyrin En-Tabs®; Salazopyrin®

Mexican Brand Names

Azulfidina

Pharmacologic Category

5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to sulfasalazine or any other part of this medicine.

• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Intestinal blockage, porphyria, or urinary tract blockage.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat arthritis.

• This medicine is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

How does it work?

• Sulfasalazine reduces irritation and inflammation.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Swallow enteric-coated tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, you will require more frequent monitoring.

• Do not take antacids, iron, or folic acid within 4 hours of this medicine.

• This medicine may change the color of urine, sweat, and tears to yellow or orange color.

• This medicine may stain contact lenses.

• Protect clothing from staining.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

• 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.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Belly pain or heartburn.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Sunburn.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• If you see tablet bits in the stool.

• Severe belly pain or bloody diarrhea.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:48:25.0

Modified: 2009-02-19 14:55:25.0

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