Cat & Dog - Sulfasalazine/Sulphasalazine

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Sulfasalazine (also called Sulphasalazine) acts inside the bowel by helping to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (colitis) in dogs and cats.

Sulfasalazine is not available as a veterinary preparation. Your veterinary surgeon may ask you to sign a consent form so a preparation licensed for humans can be used to treat your pet.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinary surgeon, even if it appears the pet is feeling better.
• Tablets should not be broken or crushed.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice imediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. The liquid medication should preferably be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing. Discard any unused liquid after 14 days. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon will need to monitor your pet's eyes to check that tear production is normal.
• Sulfasalazine may cause vomiting, loss of appetite, inflammation of the eye or allergic skin conditions. Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet develops these symptoms.
• Notify your veterinary surgeon immediately if your pet develops a dry cornea (front of the eye), itching or burning of the eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.