Sulfasalazine

About Sulfasalazine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as aminosalicylates.

Sulfasalazine can be used to treat the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause inflammation of the intestine leading to such problems as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Once the symptoms have been controlled Sulfasalazine can be used to help prevent the disease flaring up.

As Sulfasalazine has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, it is useful in reducing the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Sulfasalazine is also sometimes written as Sulphasalazine. You may notice the use of either spelling on the packaging of your medicine.

Sulfasalazine oral is available in tablet, enteric-coated tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Salazopyrin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Sulfasalazine

Before taking Sulfasalazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from G6PD deficiency (an enzyme deficiency), porphyria or any other blood disorder
• if you suffer from allergies
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine especially Sulphonamides, Aspirin or Salicylates
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Sulfasalazine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you have been given the enteric coated tablets swallow them whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the enteric coated tablets. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of this medicine.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sulfasalazine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sulfasalazine.
• Sulfasalazine may colour your urine orange. This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
• Soft contact lenses may also become stained. If you wear soft contact lenses, it is best not to use them while you are being treated with Sulfasalazine.
• This preparation may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• This preparation may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are taking this medicine for a long time, it is important to keep regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored with blood tests.

Can Sulfasalazine cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Diarrhoea, feeling sick, headache, skin rashes, loss of appetite, fever (high temperature), itching, swollen mouth, unsteadiness and dizziness, thinning of the hair, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, muscle or joint pain, depression or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real).

Important: If you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, a sore throat, fever (high temperature) with a general feeling of being unwell; breathing difficulties or sudden severe skin rash contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Sulfasalazine

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/04/2005