Sulfasalazine

Proctitis, Colitis, Ulcerative, Arthritis, Juvenile + 4 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Sulfasalazine

What is Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Sulfasalazine is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. It works by breaking down in the colon to form 5-aminosalicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation in the intestines.

Azulfidine

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Sulfasalazine Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Azulfidine

Sulfasalazine

1950

38

Effectiveness

How Sulfasalazine Affects Patients

The way sulfasalazine works is not yet understood, but it may help reduce inflammation and alter the immune system. It is known to reach high concentrations in the liver, serous fluids, and intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis, it appears that the 5-aminosalicylic acid component is responsible for the therapeutic effect. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, the contribution of sulfasalazine and its metabolites to treatment is currently unknown.

How Sulfasalazine works in the body

Sulfasalazine works in the body to reduce inflammation. It does this by blocking certain molecules like leukotrienes and prostaglandins that cause inflammation. It also stops enzymes like phospholipase A2, COX-1 and COX-2, and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase from working. This stops the inflammation in the body.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Sulfasalazine is contingent upon the diagnosed malady, including moderate Ulcerative colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis. The sum of dosage alters as per the delivery process (e.g. Tablet or Enema - Rectal) noted in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Arthritis, Juvenile

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Proctitis

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Colitis, Ulcerative

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Ulcerative Colitis

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Rheumatoid Arthritis

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Crohn's Disease

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Ulcerative Colitis

, 500.0 mg, 30.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Oral, , Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Rectal, Suspension, Suspension - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Enema, Suppository - Rectal, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated

Warnings

Sulfasalazine has seven known counter-indications, so it should be avoided in the event of any of the conditions laid out in the accompanying table.

Sulfasalazine Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Porphyrias

Do Not Combine

Intestines

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Sulfasalazine.

Common Sulfasalazine Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

2-Methoxyethanol

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Sulfasalazine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.

9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Sulfasalazine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.

Abatacept

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Sulfasalazine is combined with Abatacept.

Abetimus

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Sulfasalazine is combined with Abetimus.

Acteoside

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Sulfasalazine is combined with Acteoside.

Sulfasalazine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Studies on animals have found that sulfasalazine is linked to an increased risk of bladder and kidney tumors in rats, and liver tumors in mice. It has also been linked to fertility problems in male rats, and there are reports of neural tube defects in infants born to mothers who took the drug while pregnant. There have been no studies on pregnant humans but a survey suggests that there is no increase in fetal complications compared to the general population. It is not known how sulfasalazine may affect the growth and development of children exposed to the drug during pregnancy.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Sulfasalazine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sulfasalazine?

114 active studies are currently being conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Sulfasalazine in providing relief from Polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, chronic or unspecified Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Colitis, Ulcerative

0 Actively Recruiting

Proctitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Ulcerative Colitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Rheumatoid Arthritis

55 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1

Crohn's Disease

54 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Arthritis, Juvenile

0 Actively Recruiting

Ulcerative Colitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Sulfasalazine Reviews: What are patients saying about Sulfasalazine?

5

Patient Review

6/26/2017

Sulfasalazine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

Sulfasalazine has been incredibly effective in treating my Colitis flare-ups. I start seeing results within two weeks, and haven't had any issues for the past two months.

4

Patient Review

6/22/2017

Sulfasalazine for Collagenous Colitis

I've been using this treatment for a couple years now, and it's made a big difference (I use it three times per day). It's also much cheaper than budesonide.

3

Patient Review

5/5/2019

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatic Disease causing Pain & Stiffness in Backbone

I developed a skin rash after using this treatment.

2.7

Patient Review

4/16/2019

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Though my pain has decreased significantly, I now feel incredibly exhausted all the time. It's like I just ran a marathon. Has anyone else experienced this?

2

Patient Review

9/7/2017

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

I've only just started taking this medication.

2

Patient Review

10/11/2022

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

I've been using this medication for about a month to treat my rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Prior to use, I only had some joint pain and psoriasis. However, since taking the drug, I have such severe leg pain that I can't stand or walk without being in agony. Additionally, the psoriasis has not improved at all. The side effects of this medication are very scary and concerning!

2

Patient Review

1/24/2018

Sulfasalazine for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis

I started with a lower dosage and worked my way up, as recommended. However, I haven't seen any improvement in my symptoms after about two months of use.

1.7

Patient Review

10/23/2021

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

I had a really terrible experience while taking this medication. I woke up with a headache, pain in all my joints, and my eyes felt grainy and sandy. My doctor said to cut the pills into quarters and start at a lower dose, but I read that you shouldn't cut the pills. I don't know what to do now.

1

Patient Review

3/29/2021

Sulfasalazine for Crohn's Disease

Do not bother with this medication. It did nothing to help my Crohn's Disease and the side effects were debilitating.

1

Patient Review

2/1/2018

Sulfasalazine for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This drug is absolutely terrible. After experiencing side effects from plaquenil and Arava, my doctor said to try this awful medicine. I took it for 2 months at 1,000 mg/day. I had debilitating migraines the entire time. One morning I woke up feeling like I was having a heart attack. I couldn't breathe and my chest was tight. I had to go to the hospital by ambulance. Now they believe I have liver damage. Think twice before you swallow this poison!
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about sulfasalazine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is sulfasalazine a steroid drug?

"Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is not a steroid, but is actually a "steroid-sparing" medication. This means that it helps to manage your condition and symptoms with a lower dose of corticosteroids."

Answered by AI

What are the long term effects of taking sulfasalazine?

"*The most common side-effects of penicillamine were dyspepsia, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, although rashes and macrocytosis also occurred in a small number of patients. Eighteen of the 21 patients treated with penicillamine showed improvement after nine months, although there was some deterioration noted in some patients after one year."

Answered by AI

What does sulfasalazine do to your body?

"Sulfasalazine works to decrease inflammation in the colon and throughout the body by inhibiting the formation of a chemical known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have several important functions in the body, one of which is control of pain and inflammation."

Answered by AI

Does sulfasalazine have side effects?

"This is not harmful.

You may experience stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, or unusual tiredness. If you experience any of these effects, notify your doctor or pharmacist. This medication may cause your skin and urine to turn orange-yellow. This is not harmful."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Sulfasalazine

Image of The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Nutritional Therapy + Anti-TNFα for Crohn's Disease

9 - 17
All Sexes
Vancouver, Canada

Children with Crohn's disease (CD), a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), often face serious health challenges, including poor growth, frequent hospital stays, and long-term medication use. Although biologic drugs like infliximab, an anti-TNFα (Tumor necrosis factor α) medication, have improved treatment, they don't work for everyone: many children still experience symptoms or disease flare-ups. Nutritional therapies, especially the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), may help improve treatment outcomes. This study will assess whether starting CDED at the same time as infliximab leads to better responses to treatment. The goal of this study is to improve how well children respond to therapy, reduce drug exposure, and support better long-term health.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

The University of British Columbia

Kevan Jacobson, MBBCh, FRCP, FRCPC, AGAF, CAGF

Image of MUHC - Montreal General Hospital in Montreal, Canada.

Ustekinumab for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

18+
All Sexes
Montreal, Canada

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether disease remission can be maintained when biologic therapy is reduced in patients with Crohn"s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) taking ustekinumab (UST). The main question it aims to answer is: Can we de-escalate UST subcutaneous dose either from every 4 weeks (Q4) to every 8 weeks (Q8) or every 8 weeks (Q8) to every 12 weeks (Q12) in CD or UC patients in deep remission without loosing their response? Researchers will follow UST blood levels, inflammation markers and intestinal mucosa integrity and to see if UST dose can be reduced while maintaining clinical remission. Participants will: Change UST dosing from Q4 to Q8 or from Q8 to Q12. Visit the clinic once every 12 weeks for checkups and tests.

Phase 4
Recruiting

MUHC - Montreal General Hospital

Janssen Inc.

Have you considered Sulfasalazine clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Sulfasalazine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials
Image of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Steroids for Rheumatoid Arthritis

18+
All Sexes
Toronto, Canada

People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience flares-periods where their symptoms suddenly get worse. These flares can cause significant pain, make it harder to move and do daily activities, and lower overall quality of life. Doctors often treat flares with medications called glucocorticoids (GCs), which reduce inflammation. These medications can be taken by mouth (oral/PO) or given as a single injection into the muscle (intramuscular/IM). However, it's not clear which option works better from the patient's point of view-especially when it comes to relief of symptoms, improvements in function, and satisfaction with treatment. Most research so far has focused on how well the drugs control the disease, rather than how they impact the patient's overall experience. Research Questions: 1. Does a single GC injection work just as well as taking pills over a few weeks in improving symptoms reported by patients? 2. How do the two treatments compare in terms of symptom relief, ability to function, and patient satisfaction? 3. What do patients think and feel about using GCs to treat RA flares? What the Investigators Think: The investigators believe that a one-time GC injection is just as good as taking pills for a few weeks when it comes to managing RA flares. In fact, the injection might even be safer and preferred by patients. What the Investigators are Doing: The investigators will study 220 adults with RA who are currently having a flare (with at least 3 swollen and tender joints). These patients will be recruited from rheumatology clinics at the University of Toronto and must not have used GCs in the past month. They will be randomly assigned to receive either: A single injection (Methylprednisolone 120 mg), or Oral pills (Prednisone starting at 15 mg daily and tapering down over 3 weeks). The main thing the investigators will look at is how much better patients feel after 6 weeks, based on a questionnaire designed to measure RA flares. The investigators will also look at how well they function, how satisfied they are with the treatment, and whether they had any side effects. In addition, 20 patients (10 from each group) will be interviewed to understand their experiences and opinions about flare treatment in more detail. Why This Is Possible: The investigators have already surveyed University of Toronto rheumatologists who support the idea and provided input on study design. The investigators have also partnered with experts in research methods, national arthritis organizations, and patient groups to make sure the study is relevant and meaningful. Ethics approval has been obtained. Why It Matters: RA flares can have a major impact on people's lives. While current treatments help control inflammation, the investigators need to better understand how these treatments affect people from their own perspective. This study will shift the focus to what matters most to patients, helping doctors and patients choose the best treatment based not only on medical results but also on the patient's experience. This could lead to more effective and personalized care for people living with RA.

Phase 4
Waitlist Available

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (+4 Sites)

Image of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, United States.

N-Acetylglucosamine for Crohn's Disease

13 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

This study is a clinical trial of oral N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This study includes two study groups divided by gene variation in a transporter protein that regulates manganese levels. This genetic variant increases the risk of Crohn's disease (especially involving the ileum) and is carried by approximately 10% of individuals with Crohn's disease. This genetic variant lowers manganese levels, and manganese is important in a cellular process called glycosylation, therefore, glycosylation is changed. Glycosylation in the gut controls the barrier function, interactions with the bugs in the gut, and immune function - all important in Crohn's disease. In this study, the investigators will test if this problem with glycosylation can be targeted by giving GlcNAc. GlcNAc is a key ingredient for glycosylation, and it is currently marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Joanna Melia, MD

Have you considered Sulfasalazine clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Sulfasalazine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials
Image of Humana Healthcare Research, Inc. in Louisville, United States.

Academic Detailing for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Any Age
All Sexes
Louisville, KY

The goal of this trial is to learn if an interactive evidence-based educational outreach visits to clinicians who prescribe biologics change prescribing of biosimilar medications. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do educational outreach visits lead to a higher number of prescriptions for biosimilar versions of adalimumab? 2. Do in-person or virtual visits work better? Researchers will compare clinicians offered the educational outreach visit to those who are not offered the visit to see if there is a difference in prescribing of biosimilar versions of adalimumab instead of the original brand-name version. Participants will be offered the chance to meet with a trained clinician who will provide educational information tailored to their knowledge and attitudes on the topic. They will also be provided an educational brochure and patient educational materials.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Humana Healthcare Research, Inc. (+1 Sites)

Image of Truway Health, Inc. www.truwayhealth.com (401 E 34th Street, S11P, New York, NY 10016) in New York, United States.

Electromagnetic Resonance Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases

Any Age
All Sexes
New York, NY

The ImmuneNet study is a Phase I/II clinical trial sponsored by Truway Health, Inc. It will test whether gentle, low-frequency electromagnetic resonance (LF-EMR) can influence how immune cells communicate and synchronize with each other. The goal is to see if this "quantum-synaptic" signaling effect can help stabilize immune activity and reduce the number of autoimmune flare-ups in people living with conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Participants will receive either an active or a sham (placebo) LF-EMR session three times per week for twelve weeks. Each session is completely non-invasive. Blood samples will be collected to study cytokines (immune-system messenger molecules), gene-expression patterns, and electrical field coherence among immune cells. A machine-learning system will analyze these data to predict inflammation patterns and guide individualized treatment settings. All participant data will be securely recorded and time-stamped to ensure transparency and privacy. The expected outcome of the study is a measurable reduction in autoimmune flare frequency and symptom severity, along with improved understanding of how electromagnetic signaling might safely regulate immune function.

Phase 1 & 2
Waitlist Available

Truway Health, Inc. www.truwayhealth.com (401 E 34th Street, S11P, New York, NY 10016)

Gavin Solomon, President & CEO

Truway Health, Inc.

Have you considered Sulfasalazine clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Sulfasalazine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials