Can I take antacids while on sulfasalazine?

Antacids can interfere with the absorption of sulfasalazine if taken at the same time. As a result, sulfasalazine may not work as well for you. You can still take both of these medications but you are advised to ensure a gap of at least 2 hours between taking your doses of sulfasalazine and antacids.

How long does sulfasalazine take to work?

It is important to note that sulfasalazine does not work right away. Improvement in your symptoms may occur gradually and it may take around 6 to 12 weeks to show its full effect. This duration can vary from person to person thus it is important not to stop the medication on your own.

Is it normal that my contact lenses are stained while on sulfasalazine?

Although uncommon, permanent staining of soft contact lenses can sometimes occur while you are on sulfasalazine. sulfasalazine may also cause a yellow/orange discolouration of bodily fluids such as urine, sweat and tears which can stain your clothing. However, this should wash out of most clothings.

Sulfasalazine

Uses of Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine is commonly used to treat Crohn's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis.

How Sulfasalazine Works

The anti-inflammatory property of Sulfasalazine has not been clearly understood and is still under investigation in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects of Sulfasalazine

Headache, Decreased appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal discomfort, Photosensitivity, Yellow-orange staining of the urine and other bodily fluids, Hair loss, Allergic reactions

Information About Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and aminosalicylate used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease in Singapore. Available as a 500mg enteric-coated oral tablet taken two to four times daily with food, it is HSA-registered and available on prescription only in Singapore. Complete blood count and liver function tests should be monitored regularly during therapy as sulfasalazine causes dose-dependent bone marrow suppression and hepatotoxicity — folate supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of megaloblastic anaemia. A valid doctor's consultation is required before dispensing. Order Sulfasalazine online at DoctorOnCall Singapore with same-day delivery available. Speak to a DoctorOnCall physician today to check if Sulfasalazine is right for you.

Sulfasalazine is a medication commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as certain forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestines and joints, helping control symptoms and prevent disease flare-ups. Sulfasalazine belongs to a class of medications known as aminosalicylates and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and is widely used in gastrointestinal and rheumatology care. Find affordable Sulfasalazine options from trusted brands at DoctorOnCall.

Conclusion

Consult our doctors online for safe and effective use of Sulfasalazine tailored to your health needs. Find the best prices for affordable Sulfasalazine tablets, enteric-coated tablets, and oral formulations at DoctorOnCall Singapore.

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Dose adjustment and caution use have to be practised in patients with kidney impairment.

Alcohol Not Advisable

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Sulfasalazine when used concomitantly. However, alcohol may worsen the damage upon your liver as Sulfasalazine can affect your liver as well.

Pregnancy Maybe Safe

Animal studies and human studies have not shown reproductive toxicities. However, Sulfasalazine may inhibit the absorption and metabolism of Sulfasalazine which is needed for foetal growth. Thus, Sulfasalazine is not advisable to be used during pregnancy unless necessary because the possibility of harm cannot be completely ruled out. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Generally Safe

Sulfasalazine usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Liver Use With Care

Sulfasalazine is contraindicated in patients with liver impairment.

Lactation Not Advisable

Excretion of Sulfasalazine has been found in human breastmilk and has effects on breastfed babies. Thus, it is not advisable to be used during breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Dr. Adeline Carol Peters, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Reviewed by

Dr. Mohd Izzat Amir Bin Awang, Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Mansoura - Manchester