Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) 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. After an attack is treated, sulfasalazine is also used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines. In addition, delayed-release tablets of sulfasalazine are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine helps to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with sulfasalazine helps to reduce/prevent further joint damage so you can do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is used with other drugs, rest, and physical therapy in patients who have not responded to other medications. Take this medication by mouth after meals with a full glass of water or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the delayed-release tablets, swallow them whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so may increase the chance of stomach upset. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor to help prevent kidney stones. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 1-3 months before you notice any improvement in your symptoms.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Azulfidine from Canada also called Salazopyrin manufactured by Pfizer in the strength of 500 mg tablets and EC tablets. The generic Sulfasalazine tablet is available from India also called SAAZ DR by Ipca Laboratories and the EC tablets come from Canada also called PMS Sulfasalazine EC by Pharmascience.
The common side effects of Azulfidine may include rash, low sperm count in men, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness, change in color of skin and urine, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Hearing changes (ringing in the ears);
• Liver problems;
• Mental/mood changes;
• New lump/growth in the neck;
• Numbness/tingling of hands/feet;
• Puffy eyes, weight gain;
• Signs of low blood sugar;
• Signs of kidney problems
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not take Azulfidine if you: are allergic to it; or to sulfa drugs; or to aspirin and related drugs; or to mesalamine; have any other allergies, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: intestinal blockage, urinary blockage, kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders, asthma, severe allergies, current/returning infections. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Get medical help right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters. This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have just been given a live virus vaccine without first consulting a doctor. This medication can temporarily affect fertility in males. This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines. Some products that may interact with this drug include: digoxin, folic acid, methenamine, PABA taken by mouth. Sulfasalazine is very similar to mesalamine. Do not use mesalamine medications taken by mouth while using sulfasalazine.
Check out our latest Blog Post
Over 40? 11 Important Health Signs to Watch For