The most common side effect of sulfasalazine is headache, and this is the main reason why some patients cannot take the drug. Also common are indigestion, nausea (feeling like vomiting) and watery diarrhea (frequent watery stools), as well as mild allergic reactions such as rash (change in color and texture of skin), itchiness and fever.
sulphasalazine
This medicine is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (irritation, inflammation, and ulcers on lining of large intestine), crohn’s disease (inflammation of digestive tract), and rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain). This medicine reduces joint pain, swelling, stiffness.
Contradications
This medicine is contraindicated in patients that are suffering from G6PD deficiency (genetic disease), porphyria (liver disorder), low blood counts due to bone marrow failure, low neutrophil (a type of white blood cell) count, asthma (lung disorder characterized by wheezing, breathlessness, cough), blockage of stomach or intestine, liver problems, decreased kidney function, a blockage in urinary tract, and anemia (low red blood cell count).
Side effects
Patients administered with this medicine may experience nausea (feeling like vomiting), headache, stomach upset, unusual tiredness, rash (change in color and texture of skin), fever, and loss of appetite (hunger).
Expert Advice
- Do not give it to children under 2 years of age.
- Do not take this medicine for longer than it is prescribed.
- Keep this medicine away from children.
FAQs
What are the side effects of sulfasalazine?
Is sulfasalazine an anti-inflammatory?
Sulfasalazine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory drugs. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) inside the body.
How long can you stay on sulfasalazine?
Most patients start to feel the positive effects at 4-8 weeks, with maximum benefit at 3-6 months.
Can you drink alcohol while taking sulfasalazine?
Because sulfasalazine can affect your liver, you should avoid heavy alcohol use while taking it.
What time of the day should I take sulfasalazine?
It is best to take this medicine right after meals, at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night.
Medicines containing sulphasalazine
Rs.128.28
