sulfasalasiin

Sulfasalazine is a medication primarily used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to the class of drugs known as salicylates and combines sulfapyridine and salicylazosulfapyridine (5-aminosalicylic acid, or 5-ASA), which are linked by an azo bond. The drug was first synthesized in the 1940s and has since become a standard treatment for certain chronic inflammatory conditions.

In the gastrointestinal tract, sulfasalazine is split by bacteria into its active components. The sulfapyridine portion contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects, while 5-ASA targets inflammation in the colon. This dual mechanism helps reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding in IBD patients. For rheumatoid arthritis, sulfasalazine acts as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), slowing joint damage and improving mobility.

Common side effects of sulfasalazine include nausea, headache, and rash, though these often diminish over time. More serious adverse effects, such as liver toxicity or blood disorders, are rare but require medical attention. The drug is generally avoided in individuals with sulfa allergies or severe kidney disease. It is typically taken orally, often with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.

Sulfasalazine is available in both immediate-release and delayed-release formulations. While effective, newer 5-ASA derivatives (such as mesalamine) are sometimes preferred due to fewer systemic side effects. However, sulfasalazine remains a well-established and cost-effective option for managing certain inflammatory conditions.