Pyralin EN (Sulfasalazine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pyralin EN Used For?
Pyralin EN contains sulfasalazine, which works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in your body.
Primary Uses
Pyralin EN is used to treat and manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are inflammatory bowel diseases. It’s also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a painful joint disease that causes swelling and stiffness.
How It Works
This medicine helps prevent damage to your joints by slowly reducing swelling and stiffness. It’s usually prescribed when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aren’t working effectively.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Pyralin EN is addictive.
How to Take Pyralin EN
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your age, condition, and other medicines you may be taking. Continue taking Pyralin EN for as long as your doctor recommends.
Dosage Instructions
For Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Adults: Usually start with 2 to 4 tablets, four times daily. Maintenance dose is typically 4 tablets daily. Children: Your doctor will determine the proper dose based on age and weight. For Rheumatoid Arthritis – Adults: Usually 2 tablets, two to three times daily. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it. Children: Not recommended for treating rheumatoid arthritis in children. Take tablets whole after meals with a full glass of water at evenly spaced intervals. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the normal scheduled time. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Maintain adequate fluid intake while taking this medicine.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pains
- Cold and flu-like symptoms (enlarged glands, cough)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Changes in sense of smell or taste
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Ringing in the ears
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations
- Skin redness and itchiness
- Signs of serious skin infections or rash
- Dermatitis (dry, itchy skin)
- Convulsions
- Allergic reactions
- Swelling of the face
- Hair loss
- Signs of liver disease (yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine)
- Severe pain in the loins or pain when urinating
- Sore throat, fever, pale appearance, rash and yellow skin (may indicate serious blood disorder)
- Blood cell changes
- Reversible low sperm count
- Swelling of the pancreas or mouth
- Impaired folic acid absorption
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, burning, numbness in hands or feet)
- Changes in kidney function and lung complications
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Pyralin EN should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Pyralin EN
Do not take if you’re allergic to sulfasalazine, sulfur-containing medicines, some diabetes medicines (like glipizide), thiazide diuretics (like chlorothiazide), salicylates (like aspirin), or any ingredients in the tablets. Also avoid if you have kidney or liver problems, blood disorders, intestinal or urinary blockages, or porphyria. Not suitable for children under 2 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P) deficiency, bronchial asthma, history of recurring infections, or allergies to other medicines or substances. Your doctor will order blood and urine tests before starting treatment to check your liver, kidney function, and blood cell levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking Pyralin EN during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Several medicines can interfere with Pyralin EN and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Methotrexate (for arthritis and cancer)
- Diabetes medicines
- Mercaptopurine and azathioprine (cancer medicines)
- Antacids for heartburn
- Digoxin for heart failure
- Arthritis and gout medicines like oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, indomethacin, sulfinpyrazone
- Salicylates like aspirin
- Antibiotics like oxacillin and penicillins
- Local anesthetics
- Medicines that make urine more acidic
- Iron tablets
Alcohol & Driving
Pyralin EN can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and that of others.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this may affect your treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Pyralin EN may cause dizziness or hallucinations in some people. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Be careful until you know how this medicine affects you.
Storage
Store Pyralin EN in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight in the original container at temperatures below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the container closed after use and out of reach of children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Pyralin EN, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell. Overdose symptoms may include stomach discomfort and other side effects listed in this medication guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pyralin EN works slowly to reduce swelling and stiffness in joints for rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor recommends for best results.
Yes, Pyralin EN tablets should be taken whole after meals with a full glass of water. This helps reduce stomach upset and ensures proper absorption.
No, there is no evidence that Pyralin EN is addictive.
Do not stop taking Pyralin EN or change the dose without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on how to safely discontinue the medication if needed.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this may affect your treatment with Pyralin EN.
If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the normal scheduled time. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
It’s important to maintain adequate fluid intake while taking Pyralin EN. Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent potential kidney problems and ensures the medication works properly.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.