Azulfidine

The active ingredient in Azulfidine is sulfasalazine, which is an anti-inflammatory drug. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it is also regarded as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

The exact mechanism of action of sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is unknown. However, it is believed that intestinal bacteria break down the medication into sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid. These substances aid in inhibiting specific immune system functions that reduce pain and inflammation.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Azulfidine. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Azulfidine:

• Azulfidine should be taken after a meal. Do not chew, crush, or break the pill; instead, swallow it whole.
• While using Azulfidine, stay hydrated to help prevent kidney stones and other kidney problems.
• Azulfidine may have an impact on the outcomes of specific medical tests. Inform any medical professional you see about your use of this medication.
• Until your doctor instructs you to do so, continue taking all of your other arthritis medications as prescribed. Azulfidine might not immediately alleviate your symptoms, and you could require your other medications for some time.
• Azulfidine is merely one component of a comprehensive rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan that may involve physical therapy and rest. Pay strict attention to your doctor's recommendations.

The most common side effects of sulfasalazine include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Azulfidine. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches are signs of serious infections.
• Severe allergic reactions or skin reaction symptoms include skin rash, blistering, peeling, itching, hives, painful mouth or eye sores, fever, trouble breathing, and enlarged lymph nodes.
• Severe bleeding includes blood in the urine or stool, blood in the vomit, "coffee-ground" feces, and bleeding that is hard to stop.
• Dehydration, less than normal urination, blood in the urine, edema in the legs, ankles, or feet, and feeling ill, weak, or disoriented are all signs of kidney difficulties.
• Liver issues include light-colored feces, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the right side of the stomach.
• Sulfasalazine can cause blood disorders such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and others.
• Sulfasalazine can also cause severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
• Lower sperm counts, which can impact your fertility.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Azulfidine. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Azulfidine, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• A blockage in your intestines or urinary tract.
• Porphyria.
• An allergy to sulfa drugs or sulfonamides.
• A drug reaction to aspirin or other salicylates (e.g., Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Kaopectate, and Nuprin Backache Caplet).
• Recurring serious infections.
• Asthma.
• Low levels of blood cells.
• Kidney problems or liver problems.

• Obstruction of the bladder or gut.
• Porphyria (a disorder of the liver that results in a build-up of porphyrins).
• Allergic to salicylates (like aspirin), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), or sulfa medications.

Your dosage and health status can affect how long Azulfidine takes to start working. It may take a few weeks or months for RA symptoms to start getting better. Research indicates that after two to three weeks of treatment, persons with UC may begin to feel better. Even if your symptoms are improving, it's crucial to keep up your treatment to avoid flare-ups.

When Azulfidine is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Folic acid.
• Digoxin.

Both immediate-release and delayed-release sulfasalazine tablets for ulcerative colitis

Adults: Three to four grams given orally each day, divided equally into doses up to eight hours apart, is the usual starting dosage. To avoid gastrointestinal issues, your doctor will then reduce your dosage. Two grams taken orally each day is the standard maintenance dosage.

Children six years of age and up: Children's weight will determine the dosage. The recommended daily oral dosage ranges from 40 to 60 mg/kg of body weight, divided equally into three or six doses spaced out throughout the day. 30 mg/kg of body weight taken orally every day, divided equally into four doses throughout the day, is the standard maintenance dosage.

Delayed-release pills for rheumatoid arthritis.

Adults: One gram taken orally twice a day is the usual dosage.

Children six years of age and up: Children's weight will determine the dosage. The daily oral dosage ranges from 30 to 50 mg/kg of body weight, divided equally into two doses spaced out throughout the day. Two grams per day is the maximum total dosage.

If you miss a dose and your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and take the medication as soon as you can. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Azulfidine.

There are several lower-cost generics available for Azulfidine.

You should never stop taking Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) without first consulting your doctor. Your symptoms could worsen or recur if you stop taking this medication suddenly.

If you are pregnant, let your doctor know. Because folic acid helps prevent serious birth malformations of the baby's brain or spine, taking azoulfidine may make it more difficult for your body to absorb it. If you use this medication while pregnant, you might need to take folic acid supplements.

A nursing infant may get bloody stools or diarrhea as a result of sulfasalazine, which can enter breast milk. If you are nursing, let your doctor know. They will know or recommend what is best for you.