Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)

General information

Azulfidine belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines. It is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure this condition, but it helps decrease symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in children and adults. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with sulfasalazine helps to reduce or prevent further joint damage. This medication may also be used to treat another type of bowel disease called Crohn's disease.

Directions

Take Azulfidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth after meals with a full glass of water. The recommended starting dose for mild to moderately active cases of ulcerative colitis in adults is 3000 to 4000 mg total per day (split up into smaller doses taken every eight hours or more frequently). For children age 6 and older, the recommended dose is 40 to 60 mg per kg of weight total per day, split up into three to six smaller doses per day. For ulcerative colitis remission your doctor may decrease your dosage to 2000 mg daily (split up into several smaller doses) for adults, and to 30 mg per kg total per day for children.

Precautions

Before taking Azulfidine you should talk with your doctor if you have difficulty passing urine, intestinal blockage, porphyria (problems with certain enzymes in the body), kidney disease, kidney failure, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, anemia or any other low blood cell count, asthma, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.

Contraindications

You should not take Azulfidine if you are allergic to it, sulfasalazine, or any inactive ingredients of the drug, or if you have an intestinal or urinary obstruction (blockage), porphyria. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, easy bruising, fever, sore throat, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), urinating less than usual, sleep problems (insomnia), itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: digoxin, folic acid, vitamin or mineral supplements that contain folic acid, warfarin. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, seizure.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.