Azulfidine

This page contains drug information on Azulfidine.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Azulfidine
the possible side effects of Azulfidine
what happens if you miss a dose of Azulfidine
what happens if you overdose with Azulfidine
the most important information about Azulfidine
how to use Azulfidine
other drugs that may affect Azulfidine
what to avoid while using Azulfidine

Generic Name: sulfasalazine (sull fa SAH la zeen)
Brand Names: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs

What is the most important information I should know about sulfasalazine?

• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a sore throat, fever, pale skin, bruising, or yellow skin or eyes. These may be early symptoms of a blood disorder.
• Do not stop taking sulfasalazine, even if you begin to feel better, without first talking to your doctor. It is very important to continue taking sulfasalazine to control your condition.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the delayed-release tablets (Azulfidine EN-tabs). Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passed through your stomach.
• Call your doctor if you find an undissolved delayed-release (Azulfidine EN-tabs) tablet in your stool.

What is sulfasalazine?

• The exact way that sulfasalazine works is unknown, but it is believed to reduce the actions of substances in the body that cause inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
• Sulfasalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis and to maintain remission. The delayed-release tablets, Azulfidine (EN-tabs), are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sulfasalazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take sulfasalazine?
Do not take sulfasalazine without first talking to your doctor if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to sulfasalazine, a sulfa-based antibiotic, or aspirin;
• an obstruction (blockage) in your intestines or urinary tract;
• porphyria;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• asthma; or
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

You may not be able to take sulfasalazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Sulfasalazine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take sulfasalazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Sulfasalazine passes into breast milk and the effects of sulfasalazine on a nursing infant are not known. Do not take sulfasalazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The safety and effectiveness of sulfasalazine have not been established for children younger than 2 years of age.

How should I take sulfasalazine?

Take sulfasalazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Sulfasalazine is usually taken after meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the delayed-release tablets (Azulfidine EN-tabs). Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passed through your stomach.
• Call your doctor if you find an undissolved delayed-release (Azulfidine EN-tabs) tablet in your stool.
• Do not stop taking sulfasalazine, even if you begin to feel better, without first talking to your doctor. It is very important to continue taking sulfasalazine to control your condition.
• Store sulfasalazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a sulfasalazine overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking sulfasalazine?

• There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with sulfasalazine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of sulfasalazine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sulfasalazine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
• worsening colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea); or
• sore throat, fever, pale skin, bruising, or yellow skin or eyes (may indicate a blood disorder).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take sulfasalazine and talk to your doctor if you experience
• nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
• headache;
• a rash, itching, or hives;
• fever;
• decreased sperm production (uncommon and usually reversible); or
• orange-yellow discoloration of the skin or urine (not harmful).
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect sulfasalazine?

• Sulfasalazine may decrease the absorption of digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps). Your doctor may want to monitor the digoxin levels in your blood if you are taking this medicine.
• Sulfasalazine may also decrease folate (a natural vitamin) in your body. You may need to take folate supplements or eat folate-rich foods.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sulfasalazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.