Brand Name
Salazopyrin
Common Name
sulfasalazine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02064472 | SALAZOPYRIN 500MG EN-TABLET |
| 02064480 | SALAZOPYRIN 500MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Sulfasalazine belongs to the class of medications called anti-inflammatories. It is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, distal ulcerative colitis proctitis, and Crohn's disease. It helps control symptoms by reducing inflammation in the bowel. The enteric-coated tablets can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when treatment with other medications has not helped.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of sulfasalazine varies widely according to condition being treated and the needs of the person. The dose is usually started at a low dose and increased to the dose that is most effective. Side effects are more likely to occur with doses of 4 g (4,000 mg) daily or more.
Doses for children are calculated on the basis of body weight.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
The uncoated tablets should be taken with a meal if possible.
While taking sulfasalazine, drink an adequate amount of fluids to minimize the risk of crystals in the urine and the forming of kidney stones.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tablets
Each yellow-orange, round, convex tablet, engraved with "KPh" on one side and "101" and a score on the other side, contains sulfasalazine 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: silicon dioxide, starch, and magnesium stearate. Tartrazine-free.
EN-tabs
Each yellow-orange, elliptical, convex, enteric coated tablet, engraved with "KPh" on one side and "102" on the other side, contains sulfasalazine 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: beeswax, carnauba wax, cellulose acetate phthalate, glyceryl monostearate, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and talc. Tartrazine-free.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Sulfasalazine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to sulfasalazine, sulfonamides or salicylates (e.g., ASA), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is under 2 years of age
- has intestinal and urinary obstructions (blockage)
- has a liver condition called porphyria as this type of medication has been reported to bring on an attack
- has acute asthmatic attacks, hives, rhinitis, or other allergic symptoms that are brought on by ASA or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
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