Sulfasalazine Price in Bangladesh

Sulfasalazine is a long-established anti-inflammatory medicine for two quite different conditions: ulcerative colitis, an inflammation of the large bowel, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints. This shelf holds sulfasalazine tablets from local makers, an enteric-coated tablet and a suppository for inflammation low in the rectum. It is taken for months or years under a specialist, with regular blood tests, and it changes the colour of urine and tears.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis sits under Chronic Inflammatory Disease.

Sulfasalazine at a Glance

Condition	Form used	Its role
Ulcerative colitis	Tablet	Settles mild flares and keeps the bowel in remission
Inflammation of the rectum only	Suppository	Delivers the medicine straight to the inflamed lining
Rheumatoid arthritis	Enteric-coated tablet	A disease-modifying drug, often alongside methotrexate
Psoriatic and other inflammatory arthritis	Enteric-coated tablet	Specialist choice for joints in the arms and legs

How Sulfasalazine Works

Sulfasalazine is two molecules joined together. Bacteria in the large bowel split it into 5-aminosalicylic acid, which calms the inflamed bowel lining, and sulfapyridine, a sulfa compound that is absorbed and acts on the immune system in the joints. Doctors usually start with a small amount and build up over a few weeks, which reduces nausea and headache. Taking it after meals with a glass of water also helps the stomach.

Ulcerative Colitis: Holding Remission

In ulcerative colitis, sulfasalazine settles mild to moderate flares of bloody diarrhoea and is then continued to keep the bowel quiet. Stopping when the stools return to normal is the commonest reason for an early relapse. When the disease is limited to the rectum, the suppository on this shelf places the medicine where it is needed. Mesalazine, which carries only the bowel-acting part, is on Aminosalicylates.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Needs Patience

For rheumatoid arthritis, sulfasalazine is a disease-modifying drug: it slows joint damage rather than easing pain on the day it is taken. Benefit builds over two to three months, so painkillers or a short steroid course often bridge the gap. Rheumatologists frequently combine it with methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. Swollen joints and morning stiffness are counted at each visit to judge whether it is helping.

Not a Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The shelf name includes irritable bowel syndrome, but sulfasalazine has no place in its treatment. IBS causes cramping, bloating and changes in bowel habit without inflammation or bleeding, and it is managed with diet, fibre, antispasmodics and stress care. Ulcerative colitis, by contrast, shows inflammation on colonoscopy and often blood in the stool. Anyone with bloody diarrhoea, weight loss or night-time symptoms needs that investigation before any medicine is chosen.

Blood Tests in the First Months

Sulfasalazine can occasionally lower white blood cells or affect the liver, most often in the first three months. Blood counts and liver tests are therefore checked every few weeks at the start, then less often once results stay normal. A sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising or a rash in that period means stopping the tablets and getting an urgent blood count. Keep a record of results to show each doctor.

Who Should Avoid It

• Allergy to sulfa drugs such as co-trimoxazole, since sulfasalazine contains a sulfonamide.
• Allergy to aspirin or other salicylates, which share a chemical family with its bowel-acting part.
• G6PD deficiency, because red blood cells can break down.
• Porphyria or serious kidney or liver disease, unless a specialist decides otherwise.

Orange-Yellow Urine and Stained Lenses

Sulfasalazine tints urine a deep orange-yellow, and sometimes sweat, tears and even the skin take on a yellowish shade. On its own this is harmless and fades when the medicine stops. Soft contact lenses can absorb the colour and stay stained, so glasses or daily disposable lenses are easier. A yellow colour in the whites of the eyes is different and should be reported, because it can point to the liver.

Folic Acid, Pregnancy and Male Fertility

Sulfasalazine reduces how much folic acid the body absorbs, so many doctors add a folic acid tablet, particularly for women planning pregnancy; it is one of the bowel medicines often continued in pregnancy under specialist care. In men it lowers sperm count and movement. This effect is reversible and usually clears within about three months of stopping, so a man trying for a child should discuss timing with the doctor.

Sulfasalazine Price in Bangladesh

Plain sulfasalazine tablets from local makers sit in a low to moderate range, while the imported enteric-coated tablet and the suppository cost more per pack.

The suppository is the only listing for disease confined to the rectum, and the tablets do not stand in for it when a doctor has asked for local treatment. Newer arthritis tablets and injections, such as tofacitinib and tocilizumab, are on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Before You Order

• Swallow enteric-coated tablets whole, after food.
• Book the blood tests for the first three months.
• Check you have no sulfa or aspirin allergy.
• Ask whether a folic acid tablet should be added.
• Stop and test your blood if a sore throat and fever appear.

Manufacturers Stocked Here

Makers of sulfasalazine listed on Arogga:

• Pfizer — Salazopyrin EN
• Opsonin Pharma Limited — Salazine
• Aristopharma Limited — Reumazin
• Drug International Ltd. — Sulfacol
• Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — Sulfazin

Popular Product Examples

Sulfasalazine tablets and a suppository:

• Salazopyrin EN Tablet
• Reumazin 500 Tablet
• Salazine Suppository
• Zulfidin 500 Tablet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has sulfasalazine turned my urine orange?

The drug colours it; this is harmless.

Does sulfasalazine treat irritable bowel syndrome?

No. It is for ulcerative colitis and inflammatory arthritis.

Can sulfasalazine affect a man’s fertility?

It lowers sperm count, but this reverses after stopping.

Should I take folic acid with sulfasalazine?

Often yes; ask the prescribing doctor.

Can I take sulfasalazine with a sulfa allergy?

No. It contains a sulfonamide.

Is sulfasalazine used together with methotrexate?

Yes, in many rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans.