Sulfasalazine

Chemical Structure / Formula of Sulfasalazine

  • Formula: C₁₈H₁₄N₄O₅S
  • Structure: A conjugate of sulphapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) linked by an azo bond.

Sulfasalazine

Mechanism of Action

  • In colon, azo bond is cleaved by gut bacteria to release 5-ASA (anti-inflammatory) and sulphapyridine (antibacterial).
  • Anti-inflammatory effects beneficial in IBD; antibacterial properties aid in treating infections.

Uses of Sulfasalazine

  • Treatment of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease.
  • Also used in rheumatoid arthritis as a DMARD.
  • Occasionally used in ankylosing spondylitis.

Side Effects

  • GI upset, headache, rash.
  • Reversible oligospermia, hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients, hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression.

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