Sulfasalazine 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Rheumatoid arthritis – as a disease-modifying drug, often with methotrexate; Ulcerative colitis – treating flares and keeping the disease in remission.
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.98 to ₹5.07 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfamune 500 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹39.84 | ₹3.98 | 19 October 2026 |
| SZN 500 | Hetero Healthcare Limited | 10 | ₹49.45 | ₹4.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Saaz 500 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹50.40 | ₹5.04 | 19 October 2026 |
| Salazar 500 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹50.40 | ₹5.04 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sulseas 500 | Overseas Healthcare Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹50.40 | ₹5.04 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sazo 500 | Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹76.07 | ₹5.07 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Rheumatoid arthritis – as a disease-modifying drug, often with methotrexate.
- Ulcerative colitis – treating flares and keeping the disease in remission.
- Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis affecting the peripheral joints.
- Crohn's disease of the colon, in some patients.
How to take it
Take it after meals with a full glass of water, 2 to 4 times a day as prescribed, spacing doses evenly. Swallow enteric-coated or delayed-release tablets whole; do not crush or chew. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and build up over 4 weeks to reduce nausea. Drink plenty of fluids through the day to protect the kidneys. For arthritis it takes 6 to 12 weeks to show benefit, so keep taking it. You will need blood tests for blood counts and liver function regularly, especially in the first 3 months. Soft contact lenses may stain yellow-orange.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite.
- Headache, dizziness.
- Orange-yellow colour of urine, sweat, tears and skin (harmless).
- Mild rash, itching.
- Reduced sperm count in men (reversible after stopping).
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding – low blood counts; get a blood test urgently.
- Severe skin rash with blisters or peeling, swelling of the face.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver injury).
- Chest pain, breathlessness or cough (rare lung or heart reaction).
Safety information
Alcohol
Keep alcohol low; it adds to liver strain and worsens stomach upset.
Pregnancy
Can usually be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding with folic acid supplements, under your doctor's guidance. Men planning a child should know it lowers sperm count temporarily.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease or kidney stones; drink plenty of water. Kidney function is monitored.
Liver problems
Use with caution; liver tests are checked regularly.
Children
Used in children with juvenile arthritis or colitis under a specialist, from about 2 years for colitis and 6 years for arthritis.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Folic acid – sulfasalazine reduces its absorption; most patients are given a folic acid supplement.
- Methotrexate – commonly combined for arthritis, with closer blood-test monitoring.
- Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine – higher chance of low blood counts.
- Digoxin – absorption may fall.
- Warfarin – effect may change; INR should be checked.
- Sulfa-drug allergy (cotrimoxazole/Septran) or aspirin allergy – tell your doctor; sulfasalazine may not be suitable.
Frequently asked questions
Saaz 500 before or after food?
After food, with a full glass of water. Taking it on an empty stomach causes nausea and stomach pain. Swallow the coated tablet whole.
Why is my urine orange after taking Saaz?
Sulfasalazine and its breakdown products colour the urine, sweat and tears yellow-orange. It is harmless, though it can stain clothes and soft contact lenses.
How long does Saaz 500 take to work for rheumatoid arthritis?
Usually 6 to 12 weeks, because it slows the disease rather than just relieving pain. Painkillers may be needed in the meantime; your rheumatologist will review progress.
Is Saaz 500 safe in pregnancy?
Generally yes, with a folic acid supplement, because an arthritis or colitis flare is riskier than the medicine. Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
Saaz vs Saaz DS – what is the difference?
Saaz contains 500 mg sulfasalazine; Saaz DS (double strength) contains 1000 mg per tablet, which means fewer tablets per day for the same dose. Do not switch without your doctor's advice.
Can I take Saaz 500 with alcohol?
Keep alcohol minimal. Both can strain the liver, and alcohol worsens the nausea sulfasalazine causes.
Why do I need blood tests on Salazar 500?
Sulfasalazine can rarely lower blood counts or affect the liver, usually in the first 3 months. Regular blood tests catch this early. Report fever, sore throat, bruising or yellow eyes at once.
Can men take Saaz 500 when planning a baby?
Sulfasalazine reduces sperm count and movement while you take it; this recovers within a few months of stopping. Discuss timing with your doctor.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Sulfasalazine (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Sulfasalazine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms