Azulfidine Sulfasalazine 500 mg 60 Tabs

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is an anti-inflammatory agent. It has an immunosuppressive effect, especially in the connective tissue, intestine and serous fluid, where its concentration is the highest. Sulfasalazine is broken down to Sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid due to intestinal flora.

Sulfapyridine inhibits the proliferation of killer cells and the transformation of lymphocytes. The anti-inflammatory effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalazine) is most significant for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the large intestine. 

Indications

The drug is effective in the following diseases:

• Acute phase or as maintenance therapy for nonspecific ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
• Treatment of rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis

You can buy Sulfasalazine online in our pharmacy at an affordable price with delivery to Mexico, USA, and other countries.

Sulfasalazine: contraindications

Sulfasalazine tablets have contraindications, including hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, sulfonamides, salicylates, or any of the excipients.

The drug shouldn’t be taken by patients with acute porphyria or granulocytopenia. Sulfasalazine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age with chronic inflammatory diseases of the large intestine. Furthermore, the medication not recommended for children under 6 years of age with juvenile idiopathic chronic polyarthritis because the safety and effectiveness of the treatment have not been proven.

Before using, it’s necessary to consult a physician and inform about concomitant diseases and intake of other medicines.

Sulfasalazine: adverse effects

Despite its effectiveness, Sulfasalazine 500 mg tablet may cause side effects:

• CNS and peripheral nervous system: headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, seizures, lack of sleep, or drowsiness.
• Urinary system: renal dysfunction, edema, urinary retention.
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Respiratory system: lesion of lung tissue.
• Blood disorders: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.
• Allergic reactions: rash, mucosal edema.
• There is also yellowing of the skin, and urine.

Before use, read the instructions carefully. The information on this site is for information purposes only and does not constitute basic instruction.

Sulfasalazine: Interactions

Sulfasalazine increases the effect of anticoagulants, hypoglycemic and antiepileptic drugs.

Concomitant use with Sulfasalazine increases the toxicity of Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine.

Concomitant use with Ampicillin or Rifampicin decreases the release of 5-aminosalicylic acid from the Sulfasalazine molecule in the colon. In this regard, the effectiveness of Sulfasalazine may be reduced. Sulfasalazine interacts with Neomycin in the same way.

When concomitant use with Digoxin, its absorption may be reduced; with Talinolol – absorption of Talinolol is reduced; with Folic acid – absorption of Folic acid is reduced.

Sulfasalazine: Dosage 

The dosage is prescribed only by the doctor. Treatment of arthritis consists of gradually increasing the dosage of Sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine tablets are taken orally, with plenty of water. Drinking tea and other liquids is undesirable. It is also forbidden to break the protective coating of the tablet before use (break or chew the tablet).

During the first week of treatment, it’s recommended to take one tablet per day. In the second week, you may take two pills (in the morning and evening). In the third week to three. The dose increases gradually and may reach 3 g per day.

The minimum duration of the course is six months. If necessary, the attending physician extends therapy. 

Preschool children (5 to 7 years) are prescribed the drug in a dose of 250 to 500 mg 3 to 4 times a day. For children over 16 years old, the maximum daily dose is 2 g.

Before treatment, it’s necessary to check the level of liver enzymes, so you should take blood and urine tests.

The dose and frequency of intake of Sulfasalazine 500 mg tablet is set by the attending physician individually, based on the general state of the patient’s health, the results of tests, and the degree of neglect of the pathology.

Is Sulfasalazine an immunosuppressant?

The drug shows immunosuppressive effects, especially in the connective tissue, intestinal wall and serous fluid, where its concentration is the highest. 

Sulfasalazine reduces systemic inflammation and has antibacterial effects, inhibits the action of natural cell killer cells and leukocyte transformation.

Sulfasalazine: Warnings

Sulfasalazine may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may occur as difficulty breathing; swelling of the throat or tongue; skin rashes.

If you get these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t take this medicine again if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Sulfasalazine, sulfonamides, or salicylates such as Aspirin.

For people with bowel obstruction: you should not take Sulfasalazine tablets, as it may make the problem worse. For people with porphyria: there may be an acute attack or inflammation of porphyria.

Does Sulfasalazine cause weight gain?

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) can interfere with kidney function, resulting in fluid accumulation in the body and thus weight gain. Swelling may occur in the eyes, hands, ankles, and feet. Diuresis may decrease significantly or stop. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

Sulfasalazine for ulcerative colitis

The drug is prescribed for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease. It is taken orally, after a meal. Adults and children over 16 years old: on 1st day – 500 mg 4 times per day; on 2nd day – 1 g 4 times per day; on 3rd and subsequent days – 1.5-2 g 4 times per day. After acute clinical symptoms of ulcerative colitis subside, a maintenance dose of 500 mg 3 to 4 times daily for adults and adolescents weighing more than 65 kg is prescribed for several months. For children from 10 to 16 years of age or with a body weight of 35 to 50 kg, it’s recommended 500 mg 4 times daily. Maintenance therapy for children and adolescents under 16 years of age or with a body weight less than 65 kg is not recommended. The maximal daily dose for adults is 8 g, and for children under 16 years old is 2 g.

Sulfasalazine and folic acid

When administered orally, Sulfasalazine inhibits the absorption and metabolism of Folic acid and may lead to Folic acid deficiency. Since harmful effects are not completely ruled out, Sulfasalazine should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary.

How long does Sulfasalazine stay in your system?

Oral Sulfasalazine is mostly broken down in the intestine to the more active agent Sulfapyridine. It takes 1.5 to 2 days for Sulfasalazine to be eliminated from the body, and 2 to 3.5 days for Sulfapyridine.