Salazopyrin Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Salazopyrin Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info

2. What is Salazopyrin Tablet?

Salazopyrin (Sulfasalazine) is a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) used in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and other inflammatory conditions. It is a prodrug — colonic bacteria break this medicine down into 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine. 5-ASA reduces inflammation inside the gut, while sulfapyridine is absorbed systemically to provide the DMARD effect in RA. The DMARD effect in RA takes 6–12 weeks to appear — patience is necessary. This medicine should only be taken on a doctor's instructions.

3. Uses

• 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

4. Who Should Take It

• RA patients who require DMARD therapy
• Ulcerative Colitis patients — in mild to moderate disease
• Psoriatic Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis patients who are on adjunct therapy
• Those who have been specifically prescribed this medicine by a doctor

5. When NOT to Take

• If allergic to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) or salicylates (aspirin group)
• G6PD enzyme deficiency
• Severe kidney or liver disease
• Porphyria
• Blood disorders

6. Dosage

• As prescribed — started with slow titration

• As prescribed by your doctor — typically gradually titrated up over weeks

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — always follow your doctor's instructions

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take

• Usually taken in divided doses — follow your doctor's instructions

• Taking with food is better for reducing GI side effects

• Do not chew or crush enteric-coated tablets

• Take with water — maintain a habit of drinking extra water

8. Best Time

• Take with food — GI discomfort is reduced

• Same time daily — maintain a routine so you do not forget your dose

9. Empty Stomach or After Food

• Taking after food is better because GI side effects (nausea, stomach pain) are reduced when taken with food. Enteric-coated formulation also improves GI tolerance.

10. Warnings

• Sulfonamide allergy — do not take at all
• G6PD deficiency — risk of haemolysis
• Severe liver or kidney disease

• FBC (Full Blood Count) + LFTs every 2–4 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 3 months
• Do not miss any monitoring — this is essential for the safe use of this medicine

11. Precautions

• Urine, sweat, and tears may turn orange — contact lenses can become stained; lens wearers should be careful

• Photosensitivity can occur — apply sunscreen in sunlight

• Store below 25°C
• Keep away from light and moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children

• The doctor may recommend a folic acid supplement — definitely take it if prescribed

12. Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Headache, dizziness
• Skin rash
• Orange/yellow colour of urine/sweat/tears (harmless)
• Sun sensitivity

• Haematological toxicity — leucopenia, agranulocytosis
• Hepatotoxicity — liver damage (LFT monitoring required)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) — severe skin reaction (EMERGENCY)
• Interstitial pneumonitis / pulmonary fibrosis
• Reversible oligospermia
• Folate deficiency

13. Drug Interactions

• Taking with Methotrexate increases folate depletion — FBC monitoring is essential
• Risk of myelosuppression increases with Azathioprine
• Absorption of Digoxin may be reduced — monitor digoxin levels
• INR may rise with Warfarin — monitor anticoagulation
• Folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of folate depletion

14. When to See Doctor

• Severe sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, or signs of infection
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Severe rash or blisters
• Shortness of breath or dry cough (pulmonary side effect)
• Any unusual bruising or bleeding

15. Alternatives

16. Price in Pakistan

17. FAQs

Q: Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) kis kaam aata hai?

A: Doctors prescribe Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) for joint inflammation and pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ulcerative Colitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is a DMARD that slows disease progression in RA. Do not use without a doctor.

Q: Sulfasalazine ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rash. Urine and tears may turn orange/yellow — this is normal but contact lens wearers should be careful. Serious effects include low blood cell counts (agranulocytosis) and liver damage — monitoring is essential.

Q: Sulfasalazine peeshab ka rang kyun badal deta hai?

A: Sulfasalazine and its component sulfapyridine can turn urine, sweat, and tears orange or yellow. This is completely harmless and resolves after stopping the drug. However, contact lenses can become stained, so lens wearers should speak to their doctor.

Q: Sulfasalazine ki Pakistan mein price kya hai?

A: The price of Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) in Pakistan varies by pharmacy and pack size. For confirmed pricing, contact your local pharmacy or online pharmacy.

Q: Sulfasalazine mardana kamzori karta hai?

A: Yes, sulfasalazine can affect male fertility — sperm count may temporarily decrease (reversible oligospermia). This usually resolves after stopping the medicine. If you are planning to have children, inform your doctor before starting the medicine.

18. Medical Review

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.