Uses of Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine is used to treat and manage inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Therapeutic Category

Sulfasalazine: Anti-inflammatory (Aminosalicylates)

How Sulfasalazine works

Sulfasalazine works by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system in autoimmune diseases and blocks the chemical messengers that cause inflammation (swelling).

Common side effects of Sulfasalazine

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Changes in taste
• Ringing in the ears
• Cough
• Itching of the skin
• Purple discolorations on the skin
• Joint pain
• Protein in urine
• Fever

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• In case of accidental overdose or poisoning
• Allergic reaction such as sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (affecting the whole body)
• Jaundice
• Severe skin rash that causes blistering (affects the mouth and tongue), life-threatening skin rashes (exfoliate dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Fever, pains in your joints, hives, swollen glands, rash and itching (signs of serum sickness)
• Any unexplained bleeding
• Bruising, fever, rash, pallor (paleness), severe sore throat or tiredness (signs of abnormality in blood)
• Rash or fever or swollen gland may be a sign of DRESS (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)

Health Tips for Sulfasalazine

• Maintain a healthy diet, fibre rich diet and exercise regularly