Azulfidine
Sulfasalazine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Azulfidine
Azulfidine is an anti-inflammation drug that is used primarily to treat ulcerative colitis. It is not uncommon to use Azulfidine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in children and grown-ups, unless other drugs have worked well. The drug’s anti-inflammatory action lies in suppression of prostaglandins – chemical substances, which are naturally produced in the body and actually trigger inflammatory reactions.
Azulfidine is divided in the colon into 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and sulfapyridine. Actually, it is 5-ASA that blocks the enzymes contributing to the production of prostaglandins. These enzymes are more active in people suffering ulcerative colitis.
Therapeutic Uses of Azulfidine
Most commonly, Azulfidine is used for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Not infrequently, it is applied to treat rheumatoid arthritis. There is information that it can be used effectively to treat ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease. However, the latter is not approved by the FDA.
Direction of use of Azulfidine
Azulfidine is a prescribed drug, which must be used under the supervision of a qualified physician. Anyway, it is absolutely imperative that you read the instruction carefully before using the drug. It should be taken after food and washed down with milk or water. Do not take Azulfdine on empty stomache.
The drug is available in 500mg tablets. It is administered 2-4 times each day, the daily dose amounting to 1000-4000mg, depending on what exactly you are using it for and the severity of case.
If You Miss a Dose of Azulfidine
If you have missed a dose, take it ASAP, but not if it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, you’d better skip it. Under no circumstances should you take a double dose to compensate for the one you have missed, because this may result in overdose and trigger side effects.
How to Store Azulfidine
Store Azulfidin at 15-30 C (59-86 F). Do not expose the tablets to direct sunlight, heat or moisture. Do not store the drug in the kitchen or bathroom. Keep the tablets away from children and pets.
More Information About Azulfidine
Azulfidine is used to treat ulcerative colitis – a bowel disease. However, it should be noted that Azulfidine does not actually treat the disease itself. It alleviates the most common symptoms of the condition, which include pain, inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal bleeding, etc. If used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, it alleviates joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
Sulfasalazine does interact with many medicines. Please, consult your health care provider before using the drug. Do not start taking Azulfidine if you are already using of have recently used methenamine. Indeed, you must tell your doctor about any drug, you are using, especially anti-diabetes drugs or contraceptives. Azulfidine may block the effect of some contraceptives and result in unwanted pregnancy.
Precautions to be Taken While Using Azulfidine
Please, tell your doctor about allergies, if any, you’ve had throughout your life. Do not use Azulfidine if you are allergic to it or any other sulfa drugs. Other ingredients contained in Azulfidine tablets may also contribute to severe allergies.
This drug is contraindicated if you have kidney or urinary problems. Particularly, you should not use Azulfidine if you have urinary blockage. If you have a liver disease, you should not take this medicine either.
Azulfidine is similar to aspirin. Therefore, if you are using aspirin or have used it recently, do not take Azulfidine.
This drug can make your skin more sensitive to solar radiation. It is advisable to refrain from sunbathing and using tanning booths. Put on protective clothing on hot summer days.
If you drive or operate machinery, please, be more careful. This drug may affect your concentration. It is advisable to withhold from doing tasks that require alertness.
Do not combine this drug with alcohol.
Azulfidine should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Possible Adverse Effects of Azulfidine
Although it is not absolutely inevitable that Azulfidine will cause serious adverse reactions in you, there are certain things you must take into considerations. Some patients do not have any reactions at all, while others have to cut down on the drug shortly after they start using it. It is absolutely imperative that you contact your doctor even if you have slight or moderate side effects.
The most common side effects include intestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, poor sleep, itching, hives, sore lips and/or mouth.
More serious side effects include severe headache, easy bruising, hepatic reactions (jaundice, dark urine), urination disorders, pale skin, sore throat, fever, severe skin problems (rash, blistering).
Some people have breathing difficulties and severe intestinal disorders.
If you have any of these symptoms, stop using the drug immediately and call your doctor. You may be instructed to either stop taking Azulfidine or reduce the dose.