Sulfasalazine
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Sulfasalazine is used to treat bowel inflammation, diarrhea (stool frequency), rectal
bleeding, and abdominal pain in patients with ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the
bowel is inflamed. Sulfasalazine delayed-release (Azulfidine EN-tabs) is also used to
treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children whose disease has not responded well to
other medications. Sulfasalazine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory
drugs. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) inside the body.
Before taking sulfasalazine,
- tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfasalazine, sulfapyridine, aspirin, choline
magnesium trisalicylate (Triosal, Trilisate), choline salicylate (Arthropan), mesalamine
(Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa), salsalate (Argesic-SA, Disalcid, Salgesic, others), sulfa
drugs, trisalicylate (Tricosal, Trilisate),or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), folic acid, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, kidney or liver disease,
porphyria, blood problems, or blockage in your intestine or urinary tract.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking sulfasalazine, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective
clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sulfasalazine may make your skin sensitive to
sunlight.
What side effects can Sulfasalazine cause?
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| Although side effects from sulfasalazine are not
common, they can occur. Sulfasalazine causes temporary infertility in males. Fertility
returns when the medicine is stopped. It can also cause your urine or skin to turn
yellowish-orange; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- headache
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking sulfasalazine and call your
doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling
- sore throat
- fever
- joint or muscle aches
- pale or yellow skin
- difficulty swallowing
- tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- weakness
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