Sulfasalazine

About sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine has an anti-inflammatory effect. Although it is not clear exactly how it works, it is thought to block the way inflammation develops in your body.

Sulfasalazine is used to manage the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both of these can cause inflammation in the large intestine, leading to problems such as tummy (abdominal) pain and diarrhoea. Sulfasalazine can help control these symptoms.

Sulfasalazine is also prescribed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to reduce damage to the joints.

Before taking sulfasalazine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking sulfasalazine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergy.

• If you have asthma.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had an unusual reaction to aspirin, a salicylate, or a sulfonamide. (Sulfonamide is contained in some diuretics and antibiotic medicines.)

• If you have been told you have an enzyme deficiency called G6PD deficiency, or a blood disorder called porphyria. These are both rare inherited conditions.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take sulfasalazine

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about sulfasalazine, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience.

• Your dose will depend upon the reason why you have been prescribed sulfasalazine. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to take it, and these directions will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you. As a guide, adults taking sulfasalazine tablets or liquid medicine for an inflammatory bowel problem are likely to be prescribed 500 mg-2 g (1-4 tablets) four times daily. Doses in children are dependent on their body weight. If you are prescribed suppositories, you will be asked to use either one or two suppositories, each morning and evening until your symptoms improve. If you are taking sulfasalazine tablets for rheumatoid arthritis, you will be prescribed 500 mg (1 tablet) daily to begin with, and this will then be increased each week up to a maximum of 6 tablets daily, if needed.

• Gastro-resistant tablets (these often have 'EN' or 'EC' after the brand name) must be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew or crush the tablets to take them. This is because they are specially coated to pass through your stomach before they are absorbed. Also, do not take any indigestion remedies within two hours of taking your doses (either before or after), as this will interfere with the special coating.

• You can take sulfasalazine either before or after meals.

• It is important that you drink plenty of water while you are taking sulfasalazine. This is to avoid any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, but do remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

How to use sulfasalazine suppositories

1. Empty your bowel, if possible.

2. Remove the suppository from the packaging.

3. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into your back passage (rectum). Some people find it helps to squat, or to lie down on one side and draw their knees up towards their chest to do this.

4. Push the suppository in as far as is comfortable. You may have the urge to pass the suppository out again, but this should ease after a few minutes.

5. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests during the treatment.

• You may notice a difference to the colour of your urine. Sulfasalazine can colour your urine a yellow/orange colour. It is completely harmless and nothing to worry about.

• If you usually wear soft contact lenses, speak with your optician about this, as sulfasalazine can stain some lenses a yellow/orange colour. You may be advised not to wear certain types of lenses.

• Treatment with sulfasalazine is often long-term (unless you experience an adverse effect). Continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.

Can sulfasalazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with sulfasalazine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: sometimes, sulfasalazine can cause allergic problems, problems with the blood, and problems with the way the liver works. You should contact your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following:

• Any difficulties with your breathing, or any swelling of your face or tongue.

• Any unexplained bleeding, bruising, red or purple discolourations of your skin, or a persistent sore throat, a high temperature (fever), or if you feel generally very unwell.

• Any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

How to store sulfasalazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines