Salazopyrin

Uses
Salazopyrin (Sulfasalazine) is indicated for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works as an anti-inflammatory agent and may also exhibit immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects. Patients affected by Crohn's disease suffer from pain in the abdomen, bleeding from the rectum, severe diarrhoea and other symptoms due to inflammation and ulceration of the bowel, digestive tract or elsewhere in the body. Treatment with this medicine aims to remedy this by decreasing inflammation inside the gut, which helps to relieve acute flare ups of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

It can also be used for maintenance treatment, to help reduce the risk of a further acute attack of symptoms. When given to patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to other forms of treatment, it works by reducing damage to the joints and inflammation. This helps to relieve stiff joints and other symptoms. Research has also been carried out on this medicine to explore its effects if used for other conditions, such as psoriasis. However, doctors generally only use it for treating patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage and Administration
Salazopyrin (Sulfasalazine) tablets are provided as a 500mg strength formulation. The dosage will depend on the condition that is being treated. Doctors generally direct adult patients treating inflammatory bowel disease to administer 2 to 4 tablets, 4 times per day as an initial dosage. This may be adjusted by the doctor to a maintenance dosage of 4 tablets per day. Patients will be directed to take the medicine after eating.

Doctors may direct adult patients treating rheumatoid arthritis to take a dosage of 2 tablets, administered 2 to 3 times per day. It is likely that the patient will be started out on a low dosage which will be gradually increased by the doctor. Never exceed the dosage recommended by the doctor in charge of treatment.

Side effects
Treatment with Salazopyrin (Sulfasalazine) might lead to side effects:

• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Poor appetite
• Sick feeling and vomiting
• Discomfort in the stomach

All side effects should be reported to your doctor. See your doctor immediately if you are affected by jaundice, sores appearing on the skin, bruises, severe vomiting, pain when urinating or any other serious side effects not listed here.

Precautions
This medicine could cause male patients to have a low sperm count.

Treatment with these tablets may make the immune system weaker.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Salazopyrin (Sulfasalazine) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.