Sulfasalazine

Dosage Forms Available

• Sulfasalazine is available for use via the oral route (tablet).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for adults.

Contraindications

• The medication is not recommended in patients with a known allergy to Sulfasalazine and severe kidney and liver conditions.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Sulfasalazine may interact with various medications, including blood thinners (warfarin), heart disease medications (digoxin), iron supplements (folate), anti-diabetic medications (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide), antibiotics (methenamine), immune-suppressing medicines (azathioprine, mercaptopurine), anti-arthritis or anti-cancer medicines (methotrexate), and anti-TB medication (isoniazid).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of this medication may cause symptoms like headache, dizziness and stomach upset. If you observe these symptoms, inform your doctor and follow the advice accordingly.
• If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But avoid repeating the dose.

Management of Side Effects

• Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• This medication will not impair your ability to drive and operate heavy machinery. 

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Sulfasalazine is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised by your doctor.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Sulfasalazine should be avoided in individuals with colitis-related intestinal obstruction, urinary obstruction, blood disorders, hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, liver disease, porphyria, or kidney disease.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Opt for low-fiber foods like white rice, white pasta, bread, eggs, fish, tofu, and butter to help prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
• Engage in regular exercise to help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises to manage stress effectively.
• Eat smaller meals to minimise stomach discomfort.
• Avoid foods that may worsen ulcerative colitis, including dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, beans, spicy foods, popcorn, artificial sweeteners, nuts, seeds, and fatty foods.