Information about Sulfasalazine

Generic Name : Sulfasalazine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Sulfasalazine are provided here.

Pronunciation : sul fa sal' a zeen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Sulfasalazine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Miscellaneous Gastrointestinal Products

Trade Names/Brand Names of Sulfasalazine

India :

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International :

Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs

Why is Sulfasalazine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a salicylate, prescribed for ulcerative colitis. It decreases inflammation.

When should Sulfasalazine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with blood disorder porphyria, urinary bowel obstruction and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Sulfasalazine?

Initial Therapy- Adults: 3 to 4 g daily in evenly divided doses with dosage intervals not exceeding eight hours.
Children, six years of age and older: 40 to 60 mg/kg of body weight in each 24-hour period, divided into 3 to 6 doses.

How should Sulfasalazine be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Sulfasalazine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of asthma, kidney or liver disease, porphyria, blood problems, or blockage in your intestine or urinary tract, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.

• Monitor liver function, kidney function, complete blood cell counts, urine tests regularly while taking this medication.

• It should not be used in children less than 2 years old.

What are the side effects of Sulfasalazine?

Most Common - Nausea, indigestion, rash, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, dizziness, mouth ulcer, itching, abnormal liver function tests, decrease in white blood cells and decrease in platelets.
Blood - Anemia and bruising.
Hypersensitivity - Redness of the skin, skin death, shock, hives, hair loss, joint pain, lung inflammation and difficulty in breathing.
Gastrointestinal - Liver failure, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and intestinal inflammation.
Central Nervous System - Convulsions, sleeplessness, unsteadiness, paralysis, mental depression, unsteadiness, hearing loss, incoordination, hallucinations, ringing in the ear and drowsiness.
Genitourinary - Absence of urination, kidney inflammation, urinary tract infections, blood in urine and protein in urine.

What are the other precautions for Sulfasalazine?

Avoid excess dosage. Sulfasalazine can cause reduced sperm count in some men which is reversible in 2-3 months after stopping treatment. It also changes the color of the urine and tears making it slightly yellow-orange. Soft Contact lenses may get stained, recommended to use glasses.