Sulfasalazine is a prescription medication that can be used to treat ulcerative colitis. This part of the eMedTV archives offers a more in-depth look at sulfasalazine, including an explanation of how the drug works and general dosing information.
Some of the most common sulfasalazine side effects include headache, low sperm count in men, and nausea. This eMedTV page also lists serious side effects of the drug that may require medical attention, such as depression, anemia, or hallucinations.
Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in both adults and children. As this page on the eMedTV Web site explains, the drug can also be used in an "off-label" fashion for treating Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Adults with ulcerative colitis generally start by taking 3000 to 4000 mg of sulfasalazine a day. This eMedTV page also offers sulfasalazine dosing guidelines for children age six and up, as well as for people whose ulcerative colitis is in remission.
Folic acid, digoxin, and warfarin are medicines that may cause drug interactions with sulfasalazine. This eMedTV article discusses these interactions in more detail and describes the side effects that may occur as a result of mixing the drugs.
You should not take sulfasalazine if you have an intestinal or urinary blockage. This eMedTV Web page contains other precautions and warnings with sulfasalazine, including a more detailed list of people who should avoid taking the medication.
