This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- arthritis
- inflammatory bowel disease
Brand Name(s): Azulfidine, Sulfazine
Generic Name: Sulfasalazine
Instructions
Take the medicine with a meal and some liquid.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Drink extra water while on this medicine. Adults should try to drink 6-8 cups (48 to 64 oz.) of water every day.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It may take several months for this medicine to fully work.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not take more than 8 pills in a day.
Cautions
IMPORTANT: Children and teenagers should not use this medicine if they have cold and flu symptoms or chickenpox.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.
There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Please tell your doctor if you have moderate to severe diarrhea while on this medicine. Do not treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- changes in the color of the urine or stool
- dizziness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.
- drowsiness or sedation
- seizures
- stomach pain
- vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- hearing loss
- itching
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mouth sores or irritation
- joint or muscle pain
- unusual growth or lump on the neck
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- red, burning, or itchy skin
- ringing in the ears
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- skin sores
- sore throat
- light colored stool
- urinating less often
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blood in urine
- dark urine
- weakness
- yellowing of eyes or skin
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about SULFASALAZINE - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
