Sulfasalazine

Definition

Sulfasalazine is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It combines an anti-inflammatory agent with an antibiotic to reduce inflammation in the gut.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sulfasalazine works by reducing inflammation in the colon, helping to alleviate symptoms of IBD.
2. It is often prescribed in combination with dietary modifications to enhance its effectiveness.
3. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and rash; more severe reactions can occur and should be monitored.
4. Patients taking sulfasalazine may need regular blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts.
5. Folic acid supplementation is often recommended as sulfasalazine can interfere with folate absorption.

Review Questions

• What are the primary conditions treated with sulfasalazine?
• Why might folic acid supplementation be necessary for patients taking sulfasalazine?
• What are some common side effects associated with sulfasalazine?

Related terms

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

A group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Folic Acid:

A type of B vitamin that is important for cell growth and metabolism, often supplemented when taking medications that interfere with its absorption.

Mesalamine:

An anti-inflammatory drug used to treat IBD, similar in function to sulfasalazine but without the antibiotic component.