Sulfasalazine
Also sold as: Salazopyrin, Azulfidine
Prescription neededArthritis and immune medicines
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. It is usually started at 500 mg a day and increased weekly to 2 to 3 g a day in divided doses with food. Regular blood tests are needed in the first months.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- headache
- orange-yellow urine (harmless)
- rash
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- sore throat
- fever or mouth ulcers
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- severe skin rash
- yellow eyes or skin
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Allergy to sulfa medicines or to aspirin
- Porphyria
- Serious liver or kidney disease, or G6PD deficiency (use with caution)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Azathioprine
Together they increase the risk of low blood counts; blood tests are needed.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Folic acid
Sulfasalazine reduces folic acid absorption; a supplement may be advised.