Drug name
Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
Drug Description
Azulfidine is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis; as adjunctive therapy (i.e. with other medications) in the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis; for the treatment of Crohn's disease; for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Intake Instruction
Doses range from 500mg to 2000mg, and dosing intervals range from every 6 hours to every 12 hours, dependant on the clinical condition of the patient.
Azulfidine is prescribed for being taken with a full glass of water after meals or with food to increase stomach upset. Patients with kidney problems may be in need to use lower doses of azulfidine.
Drug Category and Mechanism
Azulfidine represents a sulfonamide which makes the level of inflammation lower and assists in controlling the immune system in several areas of the body.
Missed Dose
Should you miss a dose of this medicine please take it asap. If you find you have missed the previous dosage when it is almost time for your next dose, you should better skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Taking double or extra doses at once is not recommended. If more than one dose is missed, please contact your attending medical doctor or health care provider.
Storage
Please make sure to store Azulfidine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is allowed. Retain Azulfidine away from pets and children.
Safety Precautions
Please inform your pharmacist of allergic reactions to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) before intaking this medicine. Stay away from taking this medicine if you perform austere allergic reaction to aspirin and any preparate containing aspirin.
An austere reaction involves a severe rash, hives, hard breathing, or giddiness. In case you have queries on your allergic reactions to this medicine, please immediately inform your pharmacist. Make sure to retain all scheduled doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Note that drinking extra fluids at the period of taking this medicine is recommended. Necessarily make consultation with your physician for more available instructions. This preparate may become the reason for causing high level of sensitivity to the sun. Please stay away from exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you find your reaction to this preparate.
Make sure to use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing in case you have to be outside for a long time. Please note that Azulfidine may be the reason for occurence of harmless, yellow-orange bleach, of the urine or skin. In case you experience hard breathing or tenseness of thorax; swelling of eyelids, face, develop a rash or hives, please inform your physician immediately.
For women: these medicine outfalls into breast milk. Please avoid breast-feeding at the period of treatment with this medicine.
Probable Side Effects
Please immediately consult your health care provider on any side effect which seems uncommon or that is especially bothersome.
you have allergic reactions to any component in Azulfidine
you have blood illness porphyria
Also inform your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of these are applicable to you.
Certain medical conditions may step into interaction with Azulfidine. Inform your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of these are applicable to you.
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
you are pregnant/plan to become pregnant,
you are a breast-feeding mother;
you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, as well as herbal preparation
you are taking dietary supplement;
you have allergic reactions to medicines, foods, as well as other substances;
you have kidney or liver problems,
have a history of blood disorder,
There are certain medicines which may step into interaction with Azulfidine . Please inform your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of these are applicable to you.
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or methotrexate as both actions and side effects of the mentioned medicines may perform in lower level;
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) as the potency level may be lowered by Azulfidine;
Methenamine as the potential risk of crystals in the urine is increased.
Extra Information
An important note: This medicine is for you only. Sharing this medicine with others is not recommended.
If your symptoms do not show actual improvement, please immediately check the progress with your physician.