Azulfidine: A Comprehensive Look at the Oral Route Drug Sulfasalazine

Introduction

Azulfidine, also known as Sulfasalazine (Oral Route) is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children who have not been helped by or cannot tolerate other medicines, like salicylates or NSAIDs. It works from within the bowels to reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with the disease.

US Brand Name

Azulfidine, Azulfidine Entabs, Sulfazine, and Sulfazine EC are the US brand names for this tablet.

Canadian Brand Name

alti-sulfa, SALAzine, and Salazopyrin, are the Canadian brand names for this tablet.

Dosage Form

Azulfidine is available in two forms: tablet and enteric-coated tablet.

What is Sulfasalazine (Oral Route) used for?

Sulfasalazine (Oral Route) is used to treat and prevent acute attacks of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It works inside the bowels by helping to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of the disease. Additionally, Sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets are used to treat adults and children with rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have not been helped by or who cannot tolerate other medicines (e.g. salicylates or NSAIDs) for rheumatoid arthritis.

How to Use Sulfasalazine (Oral Route)

Azulfidine should only be used under the direction of a physician. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose.

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported with Sulfasalazine are nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. Other less common reactions include dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty breathing, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, depression, and hair loss.

Precautions

Patients taking Sulfasalazine should avoid exposure to the sun or UV rays and should talk to their doctor before taking any other drugs, including vitamins, minerals, or herbal products. Sulfasalazine may increase the risk of serious infections, so patients with a history of chronic infections should talk to their doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Conclusion

Azulfidine, also known as Sulfasalazine (Oral Route) is an oral route drug prescribed to treat and prevent mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children who have not been helped by or cannot tolerate other medicines. It is available in two forms, tablet and enteric-coated tablet. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. Patients should talk to their doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication.