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Sulfasalazine

Rx only
Aminosalicylic Acid✓ FDA-verified
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Sulfasalazine is a medication used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and to help maintain remission between flare-ups of the condition. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestines. You typically take it in tablet form, starting with a dose of 3 to 4 grams daily, divided into smaller doses, and the maximum dose should not exceed 4 grams daily. It's important to know that sulfasalazine can cause serious side effects, especially in patients with liver or kidney issues, so it should be used cautiously in those individuals. Additionally, if you're taking other medications that may affect your immune system or if you have a history of severe infections, you should discuss this with your doctor before starting sulfasalazine.

Uses

  • mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. severe ulcerative colitis adjunctive therapy. prolonging remission in ulcerative colitis.

Dosage

Adults: 3 to 4 g daily in divided doses.
Children (6 years and older): 40 to 60 mg/kg daily in divided doses.
Maintenance for adults: 2 g daily.
Maintenance for children: 30 mg/kg daily in divided doses.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.

Side effects

Common

anorexiaheadachenauseavomitinggastric distressreversible oligospermiaagranulocytosis

Serious

aplastic anemiasevere hypersensitivity reactionsliver damage
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Use cautiously in patients with liver or kidney damage.
  • Monitor for serious infections.
  • Discontinue if severe hypersensitivity reactions occur.
  • Oligospermia and infertility may occur in men.

Ask about this drug

Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).