Sulfasalazine tablets or enteric-coated tablets
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What are sulfasalazine tablets or enteric-coated tablets?
SULFASALAZINE (Azulfidine®) is an anti-inflammatory agent. It is used to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis. It is also used to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Sulfasalazine works to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of these diseases. Generic sulfasalazine tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• blood disorders or anemia
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• intestinal obstruction
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• severe allergies
• urinary tract obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfasalazine, sulfonamides, salicylates, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take sulfasalazine tablets or enteric-coated tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not suck or chew enteric-coated tablets. If sulfasalazine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. In general, children less than 2 years of age should not receive sulfasalazine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with sulfasalazine?
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptives or birth control pills
• fosphenytoin
• medicines for diabetes
• methotrexate
• other medicines that make you sensitive to the sun including some antibiotics, retinoinds (vitamin A analogs), or certain kinds of water pills (diuretics)
• phenytoin
• voriconazole
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking sulfasalazine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. There is usually an improvement within a month. You may need about 6—12 weeks of treatment to get good results. It is important that you go on taking your medicine and only stop taking it on your prescriber's advice.
Sulfasalazine can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Sulfasalazine can cause blood problems. You will need to have your blood checked while you are taking sulfasalazine. Notify your health care provider if you notice sores that do not heal, unusual bleeding or bruising, or get a cold that does not improve.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking sulfasalazine.
What side effects may I notice from taking sulfasalazine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bloody diarrhea
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• difficulty swallowing
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• joint or muscle aches
• painful, difficult or reduced urination
• pale skin
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• stomach cramps or pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• discolored urine or skin (orange-yellow color)
• dizziness
• headache
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• reduced sperm count (loss of male fertility)
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
