You should not use sulfasalazine if you have porphyria, a blockage in your bladder or intestines, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, aspirin, or similar medicines called salicylates.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sulfasalazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a blockage in your bladder or intestines;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
an allergy to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
frequent infections;
asthma;
low blood cell counts; or
liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Taking sulfasalazine can make it harder for your body to absorb folic acid, and folic acid helps prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain or spine. You may need to take folic acid supplements if you take sulfasalazine during pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sulfasalazine can pass into breast milk and may cause diarrhea or bloody stools in a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Sulfasalazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
