Peer Reviewed
Gastroenterology clinic

Sulfasalazine and the other 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) formulations

Mazhar Haque, Tim Florin
Abstract

The different formulations of sulfasalazine and other 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA)-containing drugs allow targeted delivery of the anti-inflammatory 5-ASA to the disease site in the small bowel or colon.

Key Points

    The discovery of sulfasalazine (Pyralin EN, Salazopyrin) was the first major therapeutic advance in the management of ulcerative colitis. For more than 50 years, this drug has been the foremost treatment for mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. Sulfasalazine is also used sometimes for superficial Crohn’s disease, but there is less evidence for its efficacy in this condition.

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