All medications
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Sulfasalazine
Brand names: Azulfidine
An anti-inflammatory DMARD used for arthritis, especially when combined with other medicines.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis and reactive arthritis.
How it works
It is broken down in the gut into compounds that calm inflammation in the bowel and joints.
How it’s taken
Delayed-release tablets taken twice a day, increased gradually. Benefits appear over 1 to 3 months.
Side effects
Nausea, headache, rash, orange-yellow urine and sweat, and sun sensitivity. Rarely, low blood counts or liver problems.
Monitoring
Blood counts and liver tests every few weeks at first, then less often.
Good to know
Avoid if you have a sulfa allergy. It can be used in pregnancy with folic acid. It temporarily lowers sperm count in men.
At a glance
Class
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Brand names
Azulfidine
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.