Salazopyrin EC (Sulfasalazine)

Do’s

• The dosage of Salazopyrin EC varies depending on factors such as your age, your condition, and whether you are taking any other medicines. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on how many tablets you need to take each day.
• For adults, the usual initial dose is 2 to 4 tablets, four times a day, and the usual maintenance dose is 4 tablets a day. For children, the healthcare provider will determine the proper dose, taking into account the age and weight of the child.
• In some cases, the dose may be gradually reduced to 4 tablets per day once remission is induced, and this dosage should be continued indefinitely.
• Salazopyrin EC should be swallowed whole after meals with a full glass of water. The tablets are usually taken at evenly spaced intervals over 24 hours.
• If you miss a dose of Salazopyrin EC, take your next dose at the normal time it's due. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• If you think you've taken too much Salazopyrin EC, seek urgent medical attention.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake while taking Salazopyrin EC to help prevent kidney stones. Additionally, part of the enteric-coated tablet may pass into your stools, which is normal and nothing to worry about.
• You should continue taking Salazopyrin EC for as long as your healthcare provider recommends. 
• If you're taking other medications, vitamins, or supplements, check with your healthcare provider to ensure they won't interfere with Salazopyrin EC.

Don’ts

• The nighttime interval between doses should not exceed 8 hours.
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite
• Headache
• Skin reactions
• Blood disorders
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Pain during urination
• Slow acetylator syndrome
• Rare severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Not everyone will experience these side effects, and some side effects may be more common or severe than others. If you have any concerns or questions about the side effects of Salazopyrin EC, consult your healthcare provider for further information and guidance.

Salazopyrin EC can inhibit thiopurine methyltransferase, which may lead to bone marrow suppression and leucopenia when used concomitantly with thiopurine medications like 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine.

In patients with bowel disease, systemic levels of Salazopyrin over about 50 g/ml are associated with a substantial risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially in slow acetylators.

Rare cases of liver problems have been reported with the use of Salazopyrin EC. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain.

Salazopyrin EC may cause skin reactions such as rashes, hypersensitivity reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Salazopyrin EC may rarely cause kidney-related issues such as proteinuria, haematuria, crystalluria, nephrotic syndrome, interstitial nephritis, and nephrolithiasis.

Maintain adequate fluid intake while taking Salazopyrin EC to prevent dehydration and assist in the proper absorption of the medication.

Salazopyrin EC may interact with other medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information regarding the use of Salazopyrin EC.