SULPHASALAZINE

It is poorly absorbed in the ileum and is split by colonic bacteria into sulphapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Indications

Ulcerative colitis,Acute Crohn’s disease.

Dosage

1-2 g, 3-4 times daily for 2-3 wks. Maint. 1.5-2 gm daily. Children : 40-60 mg/kg bodywt daily. Maint.: 20-30 mg/kg bodywt daily in 4 div.doses.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to sulph- onamides, sulphasalazine or salicylates. Porphyria, children below 2 yrs. Intestinal & Urinay obstruction.

Special Precautions

Renal or hepatic dysfunction.

Side Effects

Oligospermia, rash, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, headache.

Drug Interactions

Plasma levels reduce of rifampicin & ethamnbutol .Interferes with absorption of digoxin, folic acid . Additive leucopenia with gold therapy for rheumatic arthritis.