Sulfasalazine: Uses & Side Effects

Sulfasalazine oral tablet is a prescription drug. It’s also available as a generic drug. Normally, it is used to reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Contraindications

Sulfasalazine tablets are contraindicated in:

  • Patients with intestinal or urinary obstruction,
  • Patients with porphyria as sulfonamides have been reported to precipitate an acute attack,
  • Patients hypersensitive to Sulfasalazine, its metabolites, sulfonamides, or salicylates.

Sulfasalazine Side Effects

The more common side effects that can occur with sulfasalazine include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset and pain
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Decreased sperm count (only while taking the medication)
  • Dizziness

Some side effects of sulfasalazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

  • Abdominal or stomach pain or upset
  • Decreased weight
  • Welts
  • Less Common or Rare
  • Discoloration of the skin or urine
  • Hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • Swelling or inflammation of the mouth

Keywords: sulfasalazine

* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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