What is Azulfidine?
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-Tabs in the US; Salazopyrin EN-Tabs, SAS in Canada; salazosulfapyridine, salicylazosulfapyridine): This is the “staple” drug generally first prescribed for IBD patients. It is taken by mouth and is intended to first reduce inflammation of the intestinal lining and then to maintain remission in mild to moderate cases. Sulfasalazine is a combination of sulfapyridine and an aspirin-like compound, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). The bond between the two is broken by intestinal bacteria, making the 5-ASA available in the terminal ileum and colon. A significant amount of the sulfapyridine component is absorbed, metabolized by the liver, and excreted in urine. Side effects are experienced by some patients and can include nausea, heartburn, headache, dizziness, anemia, and skin rashes. It is also known to cause a reduced sperm count in men, but only for the duration of treatment. It may also turn urine a bright orange-yellow color. The side effects gener
