Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) Flashcards

Study Notes

Therapeutic Class

Sulfasalazine is utilized as a drug for inflammatory bowel disease.

Pharmacologic Class

Classified as a 5-aminosalicylate and sulfonamide; may be prescribed off-label for rheumatoid arthritis as a MNARD.

Actions

Acts by inhibiting inflammatory mediators in the colon, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Sulfasalazine is metabolized by colon bacteria into active metabolites.

Uses

Functions as an anti-inflammatory for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Off-label treatment for Crohn's disease.
It serves as an alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, categorized as a DMARD.

Administration

Administered orally; contraindicated for patients with allergies to sulfonamide antibiotics or furosemide (Lasix).
Not approved for children under 2 years and should not be crushed or chewed if extended-release tablets.
Classified as pregnancy category B.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action is unknown, with a peak effect occurring between 1.5 to 6 hours.
The duration of effects lasts between 5 to 10 hours.

Adverse Effects

Common gastrointestinal issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain; dosing adjustments can improve adherence.
Other effects may include headache, blood dyscrasias, and skin rashes.
Serious side effects like Stevens-Johnson syndrome can impair male fertility, which is reversible upon discontinuation.
Photosensitivity reactions can occur.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or salicylates (e.g., aspirin).
Caution is advised for individuals with preexisting anemia, folate, and hematologic disorders due to increased risk of blood dyscrasias.
Potential for hepatotoxicity necessitates caution in hepatic impairment cases.
Risk of crystalluria leads to caution in dehydrated patients with urinary obstruction.
Can increase insulin secretion and worsen hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Use with methotrexate may worsen bone marrow suppression.
Potential for additive hepatotoxic effects.
Absorption of digoxin can be diminished.
Warfarin displacement from protein binding sites may enhance anticoagulant effects.

Herbal/Food Interactions

Sulfasalazine may reduce the absorption of iron and folic acid.

Treatment of Overdose

Overdose symptoms include abdominal pain, anuria, drowsiness, gastric distress, nausea, seizures, and vomiting.
Supportive treatment is required for overdose management.

Description

Test your knowledge of Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) with these flashcards. The quiz covers therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, actions, and other important concepts related to this medication used for inflammatory bowel disease. Perfect for students in pharmacology or nursing courses.