What Is Sulfasalazine Delayed Release Used For?

Ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children over age six can often be treated with sulfasalazine delayed-release. It is also prescribed to prevent symptoms of ulcerative colitis from returning in people for whom it is in remission. It likely works by inhibiting the action of certain chemicals that cause inflammation. Off-label uses for sulfasalazine delayed-release include the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Sulfasalazine Delayed-Release Drug Information

Uses for Sulfasalazine Delayed-Release: An Overview

Sulfasalazine delayed-release (Azulfidine EN-tabs^®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:

Why Is Sulfasalazine Delayed Release Used for Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. It commonly causes abdominal pain (stomach pain), diarrhea, and other symptoms, like rectal bleeding or an extreme urgency to have a bowel movement. At this time, the causes of ulcerative colitis are not fully understood. Although complications can be quite severe, there is only one cure -- surgery (see Ulcerative Colitis Surgery). Other treatment options include the following:

Medications (see Ulcerative Colitis Medication)
Dietary changes (see Ulcerative Colitis Diet)
Lifestyle changes (see Living With Ulcerative Colitis)
A combination of these options.

Sulfasalazine delayed-release is approved to treat cases of mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis, helping to reduce symptoms. The medication is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from returning in people for whom the condition is in remission. For severe ulcerative colitis, sulfasalazine delayed-release is used along with other medications.

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