Sulfasalazine
Generic Details
Generic Name
Sulfasalazine
Other Names
- Azulfidine
Drug Class
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
- Aminosalicylate
Chemical Formula
C18H14N4O5S
Molecular Weight
398.4 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Sulfasalazine is metabolized by colonic bacteria into two major metabolites, sulfapyridine, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of various conditions.
Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Enteric-coated tablet
Typical Dosage
- 500 mg to 1000 mg orally 2 to 4 times daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosing based on weight and age, consult a healthcare provider
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower initial doses may be required, consult a healthcare provider
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Rash
- Anemia
- Liver function abnormalities
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sulfasalazine or sulfonamides
- Intestinal or urinary obstruction
Pregnancy Category
- Category B - No proven risk in humans
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available, consult a healthcare provider
Drug Interactions
- Methotrexate
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
- Digoxin
Overdose Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F)
- Protect from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Enters breast milk; crosses the placenta
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the gut and liver into active metabolites
- Excretion: Excreted in urine as the parent drug and metabolites
Precautions
- Monitor for blood disorders and liver function abnormalities during treatment
Warnings
- Risk of severe skin reactions
- Hypersensitivity reactions may occur