Salazopyrin

What is it?

An aminosalicylate and sulphonamide, available as scored, yellow tablets containing 500mg of sulphasalazine marked KPh and 101. Also, SALAZOPYRIN EN-TABS, enteric-coated yellow tablets containing S00mgof sulphasalazine marked KPII and 102.A1so, SALAZOPYRIN SUSPENSION, fruit-flavoured containing 250mg of sulphasalazine per 5ml. Also, SALAZOPYRIN ENEMA containing 3g of sulphasalazine. Also, SALAZOPYRIN SUPPOSITORIES containing 500mg of sulphasalazine.

Medical Uses

Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of colon), Crohn's disease. Salazopyrin En-Tabs Also, used for rheumatoid arthritis which has not responded to other NSAIDs.

Dosage

Adults, oral preparations, for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, 2 to 4 tablets or 20 to 40ml 4 times each day with a maintenance dose of 4 tablets or 40ml in divided doses daily. Enema, 1 at night; suppositories, 2 in the morning and at night after passing stool in addition to oral dose. Rheumatoid arthritis, 1 En-Tab daily for 1 week after meal, increasing over 6 weeks to 6 each day in divided doses. Children, over 2 years of age, for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, oral preparations, 40 to 60mg per kg of body weight each day with a maintenance dose of 20 to 30mg per kg of body weight daily. Suppositories, a reduced dose in proportion to that for adult weighing 70kg.

Special Care

Patients with allergies, liver or kidney disorders, porphria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins), deficiency in glucose-6PD enzyme. Any ill effects such as bleeding, malaise, sore throat, bruising, should be reported and patients should be given checks if blood changes are suspected.

Avoid Use

Children under 2 years.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Folate, digoxin.

Known Side Effects

Rash, nausea, fever, headache, appetite loss, gastrointestinal disturbance. Effects on CNS and kidneys, blood changes, allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Reduced production of, and presence of abnormal sperm in males.