Sulfasalazine — brands & medicines in Pakistan
Pakistan mein Sulfasalazine ke 1 brands available hain. Drug class: DMARD / Anti-inflammatory (Sulfonamide derivative). Neeche se koi bhi brand select karein aur uses, dosage, side effects aur price dekhein.
Quick Answer
Sulfasalazine is a dmard / anti-inflammatory (sulfonamide derivative) used in Pakistan for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — treatment of joint pain and inflammation (DMARD), Ulcerative Colitis — inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, Crohn's Disease — adjunct therapy. Available as 1 brand. Prescription required. Always confirm dose with a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Sulfasalazine?
Sulfasalazine is a dmard / anti-inflammatory (sulfonamide derivative) used in Pakistan for a range of medical conditions. Doctors and pharmacists in Pakistan recognize Sulfasalazine under multiple brand names — currently 1 listed on PakVita (1 tablet). The information below is a synthesis from DRAP-registered medicine entries, BNF, and WHO Essential Medicines references.
Common indications
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — treatment of joint pain and inflammation (DMARD)
- Ulcerative Colitis — inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine
- Crohn's Disease — adjunct therapy
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis — adjunct
Indication and dose vary by medical condition, age, weight, and other factors. Always confirm with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Typical dosage
As prescribed — slow titration required; takes 6–12 weeks for DMARD effect in RA
This is a general adult guidance pattern based on the manufacturer's label for one of the Sulfasalazine brands listed below. Children, elderly patients, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver impairment usually need different dosing — confirm with your doctor.
Side effects
Common (usually mild)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (GI side effects most common — enteric-coated tablets help)
- Headache and dizziness
- Skin rash
- Orange/yellow discolouration of urine and body fluids (harmless)
- Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity)
Serious — stop and see a doctor
- Haematological toxicity — leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis (low blood cells — BLOOD TEST REQUIRED)
- Hepatotoxicity — liver damage (LFT monitoring required)
- Severe hypersensitivity — Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis (lung damage)
Important warnings
- Do not take if allergic to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) or salicylates — cross-reactivity risk
- G6PD deficiency patients — haemolysis risk; avoid use
- Blood count monitoring (FBC) and liver function tests (LFTs) every 2–4 weeks for first 3 months, then every 3 months
- Orange/yellow discolouration of urine, sweat, and tears is harmless — warn contact lens wearers about staining
- Male fertility — reversible oligospermia (reduced sperm count) may occur; usually resolves after stopping
- Folic acid supplementation recommended during treatment
Drug class
AntibioticsConditions treated
Sulfasalazine brands in Pakistan (1)
Click any brand to see full uses, dosage, side effects, prices, and warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sulfasalazine used for in Pakistan?
Sulfasalazine is commonly used for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — treatment of joint pain and inflammation (DMARD), Ulcerative Colitis — inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, Crohn's Disease — adjunct therapy, Psoriatic Arthritis, and other indications. It belongs to the dmard / anti-inflammatory (sulfonamide derivative) drug class.
What is the typical dosage of Sulfasalazine?
Typical adult dosing is described by manufacturers as: "As prescribed — slow titration required; takes 6–12 weeks for DMARD effect in RA". Always confirm dose, duration, and timing with a qualified doctor or pharmacist — dose depends on indication, weight, age, kidney/liver function, and other medications.
What are the common side effects of Sulfasalazine?
Common side effects include Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (GI side effects most common — enteric-coated tablets help), Headache and dizziness, Skin rash, Orange/yellow discolouration of urine and body fluids (harmless), Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity). Most are mild and resolve as the body adjusts. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor if side effects are severe, persistent, or include allergic symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
When should I stop Sulfasalazine and see a doctor?
Stop Sulfasalazine and seek urgent medical care if you experience: Haematological toxicity — leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis (low blood cells — BLOOD TEST REQUIRED); Hepatotoxicity — liver damage (LFT monitoring required); Severe hypersensitivity — Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis; Interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis (lung damage). These are serious signs that need immediate attention.
Is Sulfasalazine available without a prescription in Pakistan?
Prescription required.
What brands of Sulfasalazine are available in Pakistan?
1 brand of Sulfasalazine is listed on PakVita: 1 tablet. Browse the brand list below and click any name for prices, dosage, and full information.
Sources
- DRAP Registered Drug Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
- British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. — World Health Organization