What it means
An aminosalicylate used for ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bacteria in the colon split it into its two parts, and the salicylate part calms inflammation in the bowel wall. Common effects are nausea, headache and an orange-yellow color of the urine and skin.
For the nurse
Ask about a sulfa or aspirin allergy before giving it. Give it after meals with a full glass of water, and teach that the orange color is harmless but can stain contact lenses. Blood counts and liver tests are checked, and a folic acid supplement may be ordered.
At a glance
| Drug class | aminosalicylate (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs |
| Also written | Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs |
Related terms
rheumatoid arthritis
A long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
inflammatory bowel disease
A group of long-term diseases, mainly Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed.
aspirin
A drug that eases pain, fever and inflammation and makes platelets less sticky so blood clots less easily.