About sulphasalazine
Aminosalicylate and sulfonamide anti-inflammatory
Used for
- Ulcerative colitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Some other inflammatory bowel conditions
Usual adult dose
Ulcerative colitis: usually 1–2 g four times daily initially, then a lower maintenance dose. Rheumatoid arthritis: usually 500 mg daily, increased gradually to 1 g twice daily.
Usual dose in children
Juvenile arthritis: usually 30–50 mg/kg daily in two divided doses; maximum 2 g daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, indigestion, or loss of appetite
- Headache or dizziness
- Rash or increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Orange-yellow discoloration of urine or skin
Important warnings
- Rarely causes serious blood, liver, kidney, or skin problems; monitoring is required.
- Seek urgent care for severe rash, fever, sore throat, bruising, or yellowing skin.
- Avoid with sulfonamide or salicylate allergy; use caution with liver or kidney disease.
- May reduce sperm count temporarily and can interfere with folic acid absorption.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; folic acid supplementation is important, especially before conception and during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible for healthy, full-term infants; seek clinical guidance for premature or jaundiced infants.
Interactions
- Folic acid absorption may be reduced.
- May increase bleeding risk with warfarin.
- Can reduce absorption of digoxin.
- Thiopurines, such as azathioprine, may increase blood-cell effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.