The medication is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
Sulfasalazine belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that the medicine works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the
colon. Sulfasalazine decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis.
When and How to Take Sulfasalazine
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Sulfasalazine comes in tablet form. It is generally taken by mouth, usually three to six times per day.
- It can be taken with or without food. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of sulfasalazine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your ulcerative colitis
- Your age and weight
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with sulfasalazine. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of sulfasalazine include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reversible low sperm count in men.
(Click Sulfasalazine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Sulfasalazine
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking sulfasalazine if you have:
- Difficulty passing urine
- An intestinal blockage
- Porphyria (problems with certain enzymes in the body)
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Anemia or any other low blood cell count
- Asthma
- Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Sulfasalazine?
People who take too much sulfasalazine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Drowsiness
- Seizures.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should also be stored in an airtight container.
Keep sulfasalazine and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your sulfasalazine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Sulfasalazine tablets are available in one strength -- Sulfasalazine 500 mg tablets.
Currently, both brand-name and generic sulfasalazine tablets are available
(see Generic Azulfidine).
