sulphasalazine

Last reviewed 01/2018

Sulphasalazine is an aminosalicylate which is mainly used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis - the induction and maintenance of remission - and the treatment of active Crohn's disease.

Sulphasalazine is constructed from sulphonamide (sulphapyridine) bonded to 5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA, of which the latter is the active moiety, but needs to be linked to another molecule to be absorbed. This compound is probably acting locally.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.