AZULFIDINE

Drug title

Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)

Drug Class & Mechanism

Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine) is an anti-inflammatory medicine, is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (a long-term, progressive bowel disease) and as an added treatment in severe ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation and ulceration of the lining of large bowel and rectum, the main symptom of which is bloody diarrhea). This medication is also prescribed to decrease severe attacks of ulcerative colitis.

Common uses

Azulfidine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure this condition, but it helps decrease symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. After an attack is treated, Azulfidine is also used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines.

Before using

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Azulfidine, or if you have:

• a blockage in your bladder or intestines;
• porphyria (an enzyme disorder that causes blue discoloration of the skin);
• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, and others); or
• if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).

Before using Azulfidine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma;
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Azulfidine.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Azulfidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Directions

Take this medication by mouth after meals with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, your doctor may recommend a slow increase in your dosage when starting treatment. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage is also based on weight.

If you are taking the delayed-release tablets, swallow them whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so may increase the chance of stomach upset.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 1-3 months before you notice any improvement in your symptoms.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Azulfidine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include seizures; severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; unusual or severe drowsiness. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you suspect overdose.

Storage

Keep at the temperature between 59–86F (15–30 C), away from heat, moisture, light and children.