Sulfasalazine (children)

What is it?

Sulfasalazine (brand name: Salazopyrin)  is a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect joints, muscles, skin or eyes).

This can include juvenile arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease. It is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain. Because of this, it is called a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Other medicines in this group include leflunomide, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine.

How will it help?

Sulfasalazine is a medicine that works slowly. You can expect your child to gradually start feeling better, but it might take two to three months.

How is sulfasalazine given?

Sulfasalazine can be given as a tablet. There are two types of tablet: plain and enteric coated. The enteric coated should not be crushed, because they have a special coating which makes them more gentle on the stomach.

What is the dose, and how often is it given?

Treatment starts slowly: usually one tablet a day. This is increased over a few weeks. The dose is adjusted to your child’s weight.

How long will it be used for?

Sulfasalazine can be continued long-term to maintain disease control.

Are there any side effects?

Sulfasalazine is usually very effective at improving your child’s condition but, as with all medicines, side effects can occur. Some are common, and some are rare. Most people don’t have any problems when they take sulfasalazine.

Things you need to know when taking this medicine

All children taking sulfasalazine should be seen regularly by their paediatric rheumatologist to help monitor their health and minimise side effects.

What to do if your child is sick

It is safe to give sulfasalazine even if your child is sick with a cold or cough. Don’t give sulfasalazine if your child

• Has had vomiting/diarrhoea
• Is sick and you’re not sure why

If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor, and get them checked, if necessary, before giving the sulfasalazine.

Interactions

Sulfasalazine can interact with other medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription medicines, natural medicines and medicines that you can buy over the counter.

Immunisations

Sulfalasazine is safe with all immunisations. Children should follow the standard immunisation schedule.

Infections

There is no increased risk of infections on sulfasalazine.

Alcohol

Sulfasalazine and alcohol are both broken down by the liver. Drinking alcohol while you are on sulfasalazine can put extra strain on the liver. It is not known how much is safe, so we suggest that anyone on sulfasalazine should avoid drinking alcohol.

Sexual Health

Sulfasalazine has been safely used in women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Having been on sulfasalazine in the past does not change the chances of having babies later. Sulfasalazine can decrease the sperm counts in males, but this usually goes back to normal once the medicine is stopped.

Myths and misconceptions

You may hear a lot of different information about sulfasalazine from friends, pharmacists or people you know. If you are worried about anything, please talk to your doctor or nurse for more information. If your child is taking sulfasalazine you should see your paediatric rheumatologist regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to minimise any possible side effects.

This medicine should be kept in a safe place, as accidental overdose can be serious.

© Copyright Arthritis Australia March 2015. Reviewed December 2017. The Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group contributed to the development of this information sheet.  This sheet is published by Arthritis Australia for information purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice.