Sulfasalazine rectal

About Sulfasalazine Rectal

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Aminosalicylates.

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

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

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

Sulfasalazine Rectal is available in suppository and enema 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 using Sulfasalazine Rectal

Before using 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) or porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you are currently taking digoxin (a heart drug) or folic acid (vitamin B supplement)
• 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 use Sulfasalazine Rectal

How to use Sulfasalazine suppositories:

1. Wash your hands
2. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left
3. Using your forefinger (index finger) or middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage), pointed end first
4. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the wall of the bowel
5. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you to hold the suppository in place
6. Wash your hands

How to use Sulfasalazine foam enema:

1. Wash your hands
2. Shake the canister vigorously to mix the contents
3. If you are using this preparation for the first time you will need to remove the safety tag from just underneath the dome (on the top of the container)
4. Push the applicator firmly on to the nozzle of the canister
5. Standing up, place one of your feet on to a firm, raised surface, such as a chair
6. Hold the canister upside down (with the dome facing down) in the palm of your hand
7. Insert the applicator in to the rectum (back passage) as far as it will go comfortably
8. Push the dome once and release. If you have been instructed to administer two doses, press the dome again and release. The foam is not administered until the dome is released
9. Remove the can and applicator from your rectum
10. Remove the applicator from the canister, place in one of the plastic bags provided and dispose of in a bin
11. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use Sulfasalazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never use 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.
• Sulfasalazine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Before taking or using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside Sulfasalazine.
• Sulfasalazine may colour your urine orange. This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
• Soft contact lenses may become stained. If you wear soft contact lenses, it may be best not to use them while you are being treated with Sulfasalazine.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are using Sulfasalazine for a long time, it is important to keep regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. You may need to have blood tests while taking this medicine.

Can Sulfasalazine Rectal 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, thinning of the hair, difficulty sleeping, depression or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), muscle or joint pain.

Important: If you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, a sore throat, fever (high temperature) or a general feeling of being unwell then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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

How to store Sulfasalazine Rectal

• 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