Indications: induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn's disease; rheumatoid arthritis.

Cautions: adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria,

pregnancy, hepatic and renal disease, G6PD deficiency. Blood counts and urine analysis necessary during prolonged treatment; withdraw treatment if blood dyscrasias or hypersensitivity reactions develop.

Contra-indications: sensitivity to salicylates and sulfonamides. children under 2 years of age.

Side effect: gastro-intestinal effects, loss of appetite, fever, blood disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, ocular complications, stomatitis, parotitis, ataxia, aseptic meningitis, vertigo, tinnitus, insomnia, depression, hallucinations, kidney reactions; oligospermia; urine may be coloured orange.

Drug Interactions: Sulfasalazine interact with digoxin, folic acid, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, hydantoin, hypoglycemics, methenamine, methotrexate, NSAID, sulfinpyrazone, thiazide, thiopental, uricosuric agents, para- aminobenzoic acid, warfarin.

Dose: by mouth, acute attacks, 1-2 g 4 times daily until remission occurs (if necessary corticosteroids may also be given), reducing to a maintenance dose of 500 mg 3-4 times daily. Child, acute 40-60 mg/kg daily; Maintenance dose, 20-30 mg/kg daily.