💊 Sulfasalazine Tablet 500 mg
📘 Description:
Sulfasalazine 500 mg is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a prodrug that breaks down in the colon into sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), both active components.
🔬 Nature / Drug Class:
- Class: DMARD, anti-inflammatory, sulfonamide derivative
- Mechanism:
- Inhibits prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis
- Immunomodulatory – reduces immune-mediated inflammation
🩺 Prescription / Uses:
| Condition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | Reduces inflammation, joint damage, and disease progression |
| Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) | Used in children under close supervision |
| Ulcerative Colitis (UC) | Maintains remission and treats flares |
| Crohn’s Disease (mild/moderate) | Occasionally used, but less effective than in UC |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis (peripheral joints) | Helps reduce peripheral joint symptoms |
✅ Advantages:
- Dual action: works in both gut and joints
- Used in combination with methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine in RA
- Non-biologic DMARD – affordable and widely available
- Reduces corticosteroid dependency in IBD
- Can be used in both men and women of childbearing age
⚠️ Precautions:
- G6PD deficiency: Risk of hemolytic anemia
- Sulfa allergy: Contraindicated
- Kidney or liver impairment: Use with caution
- Pregnancy: Generally safe, but folic acid supplementation is important
- Infertility in men: Can cause reversible oligospermia (low sperm count)
📦 Storage:
- Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture
- Keep in original packaging
👤 Patient Instructions:
- Take with food and plenty of fluids
- Inform doctor about any allergies, especially to sulfa drugs
- Use sun protection (photosensitivity risk)
- Report any rash, sore throat, bruising, or fever immediately
- Do not stop suddenly without medical advice
- Regular blood monitoring (CBC, LFTs, renal function) is essential
- Can cause orange/yellow urine and skin – this is harmless