Sulfasalazine: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Sulfasalazine treats inflammatory bowel disease and some forms of arthritis. It belongs to the Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine group. These relieve constipation or treat inflammatory bowel disease.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Treats and helps prevent flares of ulcerative colitis
Treats rheumatoid arthritis
Used for some other inflammatory arthritis such as in the spine
Sometimes used in Crohn's disease

Common brand names

India: Saaz, Sazo, Sulfaz
Worldwide: Azulfidine, Salazopyrin

Common side effects

Nausea and loss of appetite
Headache
Orange-yellow colour of urine, sweat or tears
Rash

Before taking it — precautions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or aspirin
Regular blood tests are needed for blood counts and liver function, especially early on
Tell your doctor about kidney or liver disease, G6PD deficiency, or plans for pregnancy; folic acid may be advised

When to see a doctor urgently

Sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising (urgent)
Severe skin rash with blisters or peeling (urgent)
Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of sulfasalazine depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my tears or urine orange?

Sulfasalazine can colour body fluids orange-yellow; it is harmless but can stain soft contact lenses.

Does it affect fertility?

It can lower sperm count in men; this usually recovers after stopping. Discuss with your doctor if planning a family.

How soon does it work for arthritis?

It works slowly and may take several weeks to a few months to show full benefit.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.