Home • Veterinary Pharmacy Articles • Sulfasalazine

Veterinary Pharmacy Articles

Sulfasalazine

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Sulfasalazine is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats. Sulfasalazine works inside the bowel by helping to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. Read the label carefully.
• Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
• DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• The liquid medication should preferably be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid after 14 days
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential Side Effects

• Sulfasalazine may cause vomiting, loss of appetite, inflammation of the eye, fever, decreased sperm counts, allergic skin inflammation.
• Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops a dry cornea, itching or burning of the eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with sulfasalazine: methotrexate, warfarin phenylbutazone, thiazide diuretics, salicylates, probenecid, phenytoin, antacids, folic acid, digoxin, ferrous sulfate or other iron salts.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.