Precautions and warnings

Liver or kidney problems, G6PD deficiency, allergic asthma, and breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Rifampicin and ethambutol lower plasma levels of this drug. It also interferes with the body’s ability to absorb folic acid. When taken with gold therapy (used for rheumatoid arthritis), it can cause a higher risk of low white blood cell count. Using it with azathioprine increases the risk of blood-related side effects. It can also decrease the amount of digoxin in the blood.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sulphonamides or salicylates, porphyria,

Mode of actions

The exact way sulphasalazine works is not known. It may reduce inflammation directly in the colon. It also has effects throughout the body by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation.

Dosage & Administration

Oral
Inflammatory bowel disease
Adult: Initially, 1-2 g 4 times daily until remission occurs. Maintenance: 2 g/day in divided doses.
Child: >2 yr: 40-60 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Maintenance: 20-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Adult: As enteric-coated tablet: Initially, 500 mg daily for the 1st wk increased by 500 mg every wk. Max: 3 g daily in 2-4 divided doses.
Child: For polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: >6 yr: As enteric-coated tablet: 30-50 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses. Begin treatment with 1/4 to 2/3 of expected maintenance dose and increase wkly to reach maintenance dose in 1 mth. Max: 2 g daily.

Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min)
10-30 mL/min Admin twice daily.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Although animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect even sometimes unable to demonstrate the risk on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but during pregnancy, this medicine can be used just when definitely required.

Discuss with your doctors and tell them feedback about this medicine.

There is no specific information about whether this medicine is passed on to the baby through breast milk. Discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Pack Size & Price