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Sulfasalazine is a film-coated tablet recommended by doctors for serious diseases and ailments of the digestive system. The drug can be used in the course of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases.
Action
Sulfasalazine is a drug that has a bacteriostatic effect, i.e. it stops the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. In addition, it is an anti-inflammatory and immunopressant drug (temporarily or permanently reduces immunity). Thanks to the use of sulfasalazine, the composition of the intestinal flora in the digestive tract changes. The drug stops the synthesis of prostaglandin PGE2, as well as leukotrienes, i.e. lipids that are associated with the immune system. After giving 30 percent. the drug is absorbed in the small intestine and the remaining 70 percent. it reaches the large intestine, where it then breaks down. The highest concentration of the metabolic products (metabolites) of sulfasalazine occurs 12 to 24 hours after its administration.
Use
The drug is intended for use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which affects the intestines, stomach and even the esophagus. In addition, Sulfasalazine is used in the case of rheumatoid ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis. It is used when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective enough.
Sulfasalazine should not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to sulfonamides or salicylates. In addition, the drug can not be taken in the case of porphyria, as well as failure of organs such as the liver or kidneys, and in the case of obstruction of the urinary tract and intestines. Before and after treatment, morphology should be monitored. The physician should make specific recommendations for this. Special care should also be taken in the case of people suffering from asthma and other serious allergic diseases. The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding is also a contraindication.
Dosage
The drug in the form of film-coated tablets is intended for oral use. The drug should be taken after a meal and then washed down with plenty of water. The tablets must not be halved, but should be swallowed whole. Remember to keep your body hydrated during treatment to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. In order for the treatment to give the desired results, follow the doctor’s instructions. Sulfasalazine starts working after 6-8 weeks. While taking the drug may occur side effects such as:
- Headache,
- lack of appetite
- nausea,
- gastrointestinal disorders,
- leukopenia,
- hemolytic anemia.
It should be remembered that the recommended dose cannot be exceeded, as it will not improve our health, but can only be harmful. Before using the drug, read the package leaflet and the expiry date on the label. Keep the drug in a place where children will have limited access.
The recommendations contained in the above article are only illustrative information and if disturbing symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.
| Name of the drug / preparation | Sulfasalazyna |
| Wstęp | Sulfasalazine is a film-coated tablet recommended by doctors during serious diseases and ailments of the digestive system. The drug can be used in the course of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases. |
| Manufacturer | Krka |
| Form, dose, packaging | enteric-coated tablets; 500 mg; 100 tablets |
| Availability category | Prescription available |
| The active substance | Sulfasalazyna |
| Indication | The drug is intended for use in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which affects the intestines, stomach and even the esophagus. In addition, Sulfasalazine is used in the case of rheumatoid ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis or spinal arthritis. |
| Dosage | The drug in the form of film-coated tablets is intended for oral use. The drug should be taken after a meal and then washed down with plenty of water. The tablets must not be halved, but should be swallowed whole. Remember to keep your body hydrated during treatment to reduce the risk of stone formation. In order for the treatment to give the expected results, follow the doctor’s instructions |
| Contraindications to use | Sulfasalazine should not be used if the patient is hypersensitive to sulfonamides or salicylates. In addition, the drug cannot be taken in the case of porphyria, as well as failure of organs such as the liver or kidneys, and in the case of obstruction of the urinary tract and intestines. Morphology should be monitored both before and after treatment. The physician should make specific recommendations for this. |
| Warnings | Special care should also be taken in the case of people suffering from asthma and other serious allergic diseases. |
| Interactions | x |
| Side effects | Side effects such as headache, loss of appetite, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, leukopenia and haemolytic anemia may occur while taking the drug. |
| Other (if any) | x |