Sulphasalazine
Sulphasalazine Information

About Sulphasalazine

Sulphasalazine is a prodrug used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The drug is a combination of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine). Sulfasalazine is cleaved to these active components by bacteria in the colon. The subsequent local actions of mesalamine are believed to be responsible for the effectiveness of sulfasalazine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Mesalamine is also commercially available in oral and rectal preparations. Even though mesalamine is a metabolite of sulfasalazine, mesalamine blood levels are lower when administered as sulfasalazine. Side effects may be minimized by administering mesalamine as sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine was approved by the FDA in 1950.

Indications

Sulphasalazine is primarily indicated in conditions like Assessment of thyroid function, Crohn's disease, Cyclical benign breast disease, Enhance permeation of SC or IM inj, Mild to moderate and severe ulcerative colitis, Premenstrual syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis.

Contraindication

Sulphasalazine is contraindicated in conditions like Porphyrias.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Sulphasalazine, which give rise to further complications include Renal damage, Hepatitis, Hemolytic anemia, Stevens johnson syndrome, Serum sickness, Peripheral neuropathy, Exfoliative dermatitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Infertility, Fibrosing alveolitis, Lyell's syndrome, Oligospermia.Sulphasalazine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Thrombocytopenia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Sulphasalazine therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Sulphasalazine include Renal failure, Salicylate poisoning.

Warnings

Sulphasalazine should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney diseases, blood disorders or of any drug allergy. This may make patient more prone to sunburn, wear protective clothing and (PABA-free) sunscreen when outdoors. It should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.