Azulfidine

Drug Uses

Azulfidine is a salicylate that is used to treat mild to severe ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

How it is taken

The dosage for Azulfidine ranges from 500mg to 2000mg and depends on the severity of the condition. Dosing intervals range from every 6 to 12 hours. Azulfidine should be taken with a glass of water after meals to reduce the chances of an upset stomach.

Patients with kidney disorders are prescribed a lower dosage than normal.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Azulfidine is a salicylate (sulfonamide) that reduces inflammation and also helps to regulate the immune system.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Azulfidine, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children. Brief storage at room temperature is permitted.

Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) and/or had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin, kidney or liver problems, blood disease porphyria or a blockage of the intestine or urinary tract, a gastrointestinal infection, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or asthma

Certain drugs can interact with Azulfidine and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or methotrexate because Azulfidine enhances the actions and side effects of these medicines
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because Azulfidine reduces their effectiveness
• Methenamine because the risk of crystals in the urine is increased.
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Azulfidine also increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and you must avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. If you are venturing out then wear protective clothing or use good sunscreen.

Azulfidine is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Azulfidine may cause a harmless, yellow-orange discoloration of the urine or skin.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
 

Possible Side Effects

Do not use Azulfidine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Azulfidine or to a salicylate (eg, aspirin) or a sulfonamide (eg, sulfisoxazole);
• you have the blood disease porphyria or a blockage of the intestine or urinary tract.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Azulfidine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
• if you have kidney or liver problems, a blood disorder, a gastrointestinal infection, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or asthma;

Some medicines may interact with Azulfidine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or methotrexate because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased;
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Azulfidine;
• Methenamine because the risk of crystals in the urine is increased.

More Information

 

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.

Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.

If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.