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| SULFASALAZINE |
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| What
is SULFASALAZINE? |
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Sulfasalazine belongs to the group of anti-inflammatory drugs. It is mostly used to treat patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In these two conditions, there is bowel inflammation which can lead to abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Sulfasalazine is also used to relieve the symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease of joints.
Sulfasalazine is available as coated tablets and enema. |
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| How
should I use SULFASALAZINE? |
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Depending on your condition your doctor will prescribe a special dosage of the drug. Take sulfasalazine exactly as directed by your doctor, do not change the doasge. Take the tablets as whole, do not crush or chew them. Read also the instructions in the package of drug carefully.
Do not stop taking sulfasalazine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. |
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| If
you miss a dose! |
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If you are taking sulfasalazine on a regular basis and you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. |
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| Dietary
instructions |
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Take sulfasalazine with or after meals and drink a full glass of water. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids while taking sulfasalazine, so drink at least 6 glasses of liquids daily. |
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| Special
Precautions & Warnings |
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Tell your doctor if:
• You are allergic to sulfasalazine, salicylates (like aspirin), sulfonamide antibiotics, sulfonylureas (eg glibenclamide) or any other medication.
• You are taking any drugs, prescription or non-prescription, specially other medications for your present condition, anticoagulants like warfarin, anti-epileptic drugs (eg carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid), digoxin, folic acid, iron supplements, methotrexate, oral antidiabetic drugs, phenytoin and vitamins.
• You have or have had any diseases, specially kidney or liver disease, any intestinal problems, asthma, allergy, blood disorders including favism and porphyria, and seizures.
• You are going to have a surgery, including dental procedures. |
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| Side
Effects |
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Sulfasalazine does not commonly cause unwanted effects. Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects get severe or persist:
Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, upset stomach and diarrhea.
But here are some serious side effects of sulfasalazine, for which you must seek help from your doctor immediately:
Skin rash, hives and itching, fever, weakness or fatigue, paleness, difficult swallowing, bloody diarrhea, urinary obstruction, sore throat, oral ulcers, joint or muscle pain, easy bruising or unusual bleeding and swelling of the feet or hands. |
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| Storage |
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Keep sulfasalazine in its container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the drug at room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. |
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| Emergency/Overdose |
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In case of overdose or emergency, seek help at the nearest medical centre. |
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| Drug
interactions |
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• Taking sulfasalazine with anticoagulants, antiepileptics, methotrexate, oral antidiabetics and phenytoin, may increase the effects and adverse effects of such drugs.
• Sulfasalazine may reduce the absorption of folic acid and iron. |
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| Children,
pregnant women & nursing mothers |
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• Sulfasalazine should not be used in children below 2 years of age.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Sulfasalazine should not be taken in late pregnancy.
• Sulfasalazine must not be used during breast feeding. |
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| More
information |
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• Sulfasalazine may cause infertility in males, which is temporary and fertility returns once taking the drug is stopped.
• Sulfasalazine may turn your urine orange and your skin yellow, which is quite harmless.
• Try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear proper clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen while taking this drug. Sulfasalazine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. |
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