Azulfidine

Generic name

Sulfasalazine

Brand name

Azulfidine

General Information

Azulfidine is a pill that was originally invented in the 1930's to fight rheumatoid arthritis, but only recently was it approved by the FDA for treatment of arthritis. This medication is also prescribed to decrease severe attacks of ulcerative colitis. Azulfidine is a combination of two different medications: 5-amino salicylic acid and sulfapyridine. The beneficial effect of sulfasalazine is believed to be due to a local effect on the bowel, although there may also be a beneficial systemic immune-suppressant effect as well. This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness or trouble sleeping during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia ), or liver damage. The effects of Azulfidine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Azulfidine is secreted in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. This medication may also be used to treat another type of bowel disease called Crohn's disease.

Azulfidine Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
For adults- The usual recommended initial dose of Azulfidine and Azulfidine EN-tabs is 3 to 4 grams daily divided into smaller doses (intervals between nighttime doses should not exceed 8 hours).
For children Aged 6 and Older - The usual recommended initial dose is 40 to 60 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight in each 24-hour period, divided into 3 to 6 doses.

Side Effects of Azulfidine

The following side effects of Azulfidine may includes:

Abdominal pain.
Severe headache.
Inflammation of the mouth.
Lack of appetite.
Stomach distress.
Nausea and vomiting.
Rash, or itching.

Warnings and precautions before taking Azulfidine

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfasalazine, sulfapyridine, aspirin, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate, mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa), salsalate, sulfa drugs, trisalicylate,or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sulfasalazine, call your doctor.
In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided.
This drug is generally not prescribed for children under 6. Azulfidine EN-tabs are not recommended for children with the type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that affects the whole system, only for children with the type that stays in the joints.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdosage

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of Azulfidine overdose may include: Abdominal pain convulsions drowsiness nausea stomach upset vomiting.
US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.