Sulfasalazine

Aminosalicylate/sulfonamide for IBD and colitis in dogs; anti-inflammatory at intestinal mucosal level. Aminosalicylate-sulfonamide combination (sulfasalazine). Mechanism: colonic bacteria cleave to active components — 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA: topical anti-inflammatory, inhibits COX and LTB4 synthesis in colonic mucosa) and sulfapyridine (sulfonamide antibacterial). 5-ASA mediates primary therapeutic effect on colonic mucosa. Key information Salicylate/sulfonamide combination. Administer with food. Monitor CBC and urinalysis. May cause KCS (dry eye) — monitor tear production. Do not use in cats (salicylate toxicity). Sulfa component — avoid in sulfa-sensitive animals.

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Administer 3 times daily. Do not crush enteric-coated tablets. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.

GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia (common — reduce dose if severe). KCS (dry eye in dogs — one of most significant complications; routine ophthalmologic monitoring required). Hematologic: hemolytic anemia (sulfonamide in G6PD-deficient patients), bone marrow suppression. Hepatotoxicity. Hypersensitivity (rash, fever). Orange-yellow urine discoloration.

For animals Dogs: Schirmer tear test every 3 months — KCS risk is significant. Monitor CBC periodically with prolonged use. Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. Orange-yellow urine discoloration is expected (inform owners). Avoid in sulfonamide-hypersensitive patients. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Sulfonamide/aminosalicylate — inform doctor if sulfa-allergic. Causes orange-yellow urine staining. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact.

Contact your veterinarian. Overdose causes GI signs, crystalluria, and blood cell effects. Monitor tear production (KCS risk). Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.