Sulfasalazine – Brand name: Salazopyrin

Sulfasalazine - Brand name: Salazopyrin

Sulfasalazine - Brand name: Salazopyrin

orange tablet 1/2

Always follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage and strength

The tablets and suppositories contain 500mg of sulfasalazine. The liquid contains 250mg per 5ml.

Doses will vary. Your dose and how often you take it depends on why you need sulfasalazine and how severe your symptoms are.

For inflammatory bowel disease the usual dose is either:

  • 2 to 4 tablets or 20ml to 40ml of liquid, 4 times a day
  • 1 to 2 suppositories, twice a day

For rheumatoid arthritis, when you start treatment you’ll usually take one 500mg tablet a day. This will increase by 1 tablet a day each week until you reach a dose of 1 tablet 4 times a day, or 2 tablets 3 times a day, depending on how you respond to it.

Children’s doses are often lower. The doctor will use your child’s weight to calculate the right dose for them.

How to take sulfasalazine tablets

Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water. Do not break, chew or crush them. This is because some tablets have a special coating to protect the medicine from the acids in your stomach.

You can take sulfasalazine tablets with or without food.

Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day and night, with a gap of no more than 8 hours between your bedtime and morning dose.

Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medicine to help prevent possible kidney problems.

How to take sulfasalazine liquid

Take the liquid with food. You’ll usually take the same amount 4 times a day.

How to use sulfasalazine suppositories

Sulfasalazine suppositories are used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

You will generally use the suppositories twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime. Use them after you do a poo.

  1. Wash your hands before and after using the suppository. Also clean around your bottom (anus) with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry.
  2. Unwrap the suppository.
  3. Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 3 centimetres (1 inch).
  4. Sit or lie still for about 15 minutes. The suppository will melt inside your bottom. This is normal.
  5. Try not to empty your bowels for at least an hour after inserting the suppository so it will work better.

Will my dose go up or down?

Once your symptoms start to get better, your doctor may reduce your dose to a maintenance dose. This is a lower dose of sulfasalazine that helps keep your symptoms under control.

If your symptoms flare up again, your doctor may want to put your dose back up.

What if I forget to take it?

If you miss a dose of sulfasalazine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Taking too much sulfasalazine is unlikely to cause you any problems.

However, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you take more than double your usual dose and you feel unwell. They may need to monitor you for side effects.

This post was last modified on November 16, 2024 4:38 am