Description

Salazopyrin 500 mg 100 tablets is a medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including:

• Ulcerative colitis – for induction and maintenance of remission
• Crohn’s disease – for treatment of active disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis – for treatment and control when other drugs have failed to respond

The recommended dosage for adults is:

• Acute attacks of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: 2-4 tablets every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 24 tablets (12 g) per day
• Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis: 4 tablets (2 g) per day
• Rheumatoid arthritis: 2 enteric-coated tablets twice daily (4 tablets or 2 g total per day)

The tablets should be taken at regular intervals during the day, preferably with meals. They should not be crushed or broken.Salazopyrin 500 mg is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sulphonamides, salicylates or the drug’s excipients, as well as those with porphyria, hemorrhagic diathesis, severe liver/kidney failure, gastric/duodenal ulcers, and during pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Indications

• Ulcerative colitis (induction and maintenance of remission)
• Crohn’s disease (treatment of active disease)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (treatment and control when other drugs have failed)

Dosage

• Acute attacks of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: 2-4 tablets every 6 hours, up to 24 tablets (12 g) per day
• Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis: 4 tablets (2 g) per day
• Rheumatoid arthritis: 2 enteric-coated tablets twice daily (4 tablets or 2 g total per day)

Administration

• Take tablets at regular intervals during the day, preferably with meals
• Do not crush or break the tablets

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to sulphonamides, salicylates, or excipients
• Porphyria
• Hemorrhagic diathesis
• Severe liver or kidney failure
• Gastric or duodenal ulcers
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Adverse Effects

• Stomach upset, nausea, headache
• Blood and liver function abnormalities
• Increased risk of crystalluria (adequate fluid intake recommended)
  

  Key Benefits

  • Treatment of Inflammatory Conditions: Salazopyrin 500mg is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The active ingredient, sulfasalazine, prevents or blocks the body from producing certain substances that may cause inflammation.
  • Effective in Long-Term Treatment: Salazopyrin is especially useful in long-term treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

  Key Ingredients

  • Active Ingredient: Sulfasalazine (500mg per tablet).
  • Excipients: Water and other additives, ensuring the tablet’s integrity and ease of administration.

  Administration and Dosage

  • Tablet Form: Enteric-coated tablets, packed in a box of 100 tablets.
  • Dosage: Varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s age and weight.
  • Administration: Take the tablet whole with plenty of water, do not crush or break it.

  Contraindications and Precautions

  • Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivity to sulphonamides, salicylates, or excipients.
  • Porphyria: Patients with porphyria should not use Salazopyrin.
  • Liver and Kidney Issues: Patients with liver or kidney problems should consult their doctor before using the medication.

  Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Fever, anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and abdominal pain.
  • Uncommon Side Effects: Fatigue, loss of granulocyte count, depression, and tinnitus.
  • Rare Side Effects: Reversible decrease in sperm count and other reactions.

  Storage and Handling

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Handling: Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or pharmacist for proper handling and disposal.

  Important Information

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before using Salazopyrin during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Monitoring: Patients should be monitored for potential side effects and blood/liver function abnormalities.

  Salazopyrin 500mg 100 tablets is a medication that offers effective treatment for various inflammatory conditions while ensuring proper handling and administration to minimize potential side effects.            key precautions to take while using Salazopyrin:

  • Drink plenty of fluids to minimize the risk of crystals in the urine and kidney stones.
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure, as Salazopyrin can increase sensitivity. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen, especially between 10am and 3pm.
  • Tell all doctors, dentists, pharmacists and specialists treating you that you are taking Salazopyrin.
  • Keep all appointments for check-ups and any tests your doctor orders while taking Salazopyrin.
  • Do not take Salazopyrin if you are allergic to sulfasalazine, sulfonamides, or any of the ingredients.
  • Use caution if you have kidney or liver problems, blood disorders, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, asthma, or recurring infections.
  • Salazopyrin may interact with some diabetes medications, antibiotics, heart medications, and immunosuppressants. Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking.
  • Avoid breastfeeding while taking Salazopyrin, as it passes into breastmilk and may cause diarrhea or blood in the stool in infants.
  • Salazopyrin is not recommended for children under 2 years old or those with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Regular blood, kidney, liver and urine tests are needed to monitor for potential side effects while taking Salazopyrin                                                                                                                                Salazopyrin’s mechanism of action involves the active ingredient sulfasalazine and its metabolites:
    1. Sulfasalazine is split by intestinal bacteria into sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the colon.
    2. 5-ASA is the active moiety that exerts the anti-inflammatory effects in the intestinal mucosa by inhibiting soybean lipoxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of inflammatory leukotrienes.
    3. 5-ASA also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and smooth muscle contractions, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
    4. Sulfapyridine is absorbed and transported to sites of inflammation where it may exert additional anti-inflammatory effects.
    5. The exact mechanisms by which sulfasalazine and its metabolites reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood but likely involve inhibition of inflammatory mediators and immune modulation.
    
    The chemical structure of sulfasalazine, the active ingredient in Salazopyrin, is:C18H14N4O5SC18​H14​N4​O5​SThis molecular formula represents the chemical composition of sulfasalazine, which is a combination of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA).
    

    

    

  Patient Reviews

  • “Salazopyrin has been a game-changer for managing my ulcerative colitis. It has helped me achieve and maintain remission with minimal side effects.” 
  • “After trying other medications, Salazopyrin was the only one that effectively controlled my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The dosing is easy to follow.” 
  • “I was hesitant to try Salazopyrin at first, but it has worked wonders for my Crohn’s disease. The enteric coating makes it gentle on my stomach.” 

  Expert Conclusion

  Salazopyrin 500mg 100 Tablets is an effective medication for the treatment and management of various inflammatory conditions, including:

  • Ulcerative colitis – for induction and maintenance of remission
  • Crohn’s disease – for treatment of active disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – when other first-line drugs have failed

  The active ingredient, sulfasalazine, works by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and modulating the immune response. Salazopyrin is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and blood/liver abnormalities.Patients should take precautions such as staying hydrated, protecting their skin from sun exposure, and monitoring for potential side effects. Regular check-ups and lab tests are recommended while using Salazopyrin.                            recommended dosage of Salazopyrin for children is:

  • For inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease):
    • 40 to 60 mg/kg bodyweight daily in three to six divided doses.
    • The daily maintenance dose should be continued unless contraindicated by side effects.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis:
    • No specific dosage recommendation for children can be given at present.