Sulfasalazine molecular structure

Sulfasalazine

Also known as: Azulfidine, Salazopyrin, Sulazine, Saaz, Sazo

CAS Number: 599-79-1

Sulfonamide-salicylate prodrug, anti-inflammatory and DMARD

Pharmacopeia Standards

USPBPIPEPJP

Mechanism of Action

Sulfasalazine is an azo-bonded prodrug that passes intact to the colon, where bacterial azoreductases cleave it into sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid. The 5-aminosalicylic acid acts locally on the colonic mucosa to inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene generation and scavenge free radicals, while the absorbed sulfapyridine fraction carries the systemic disease-modifying activity in rheumatoid and spondyloarthritis. The intact molecule also inhibits NF-kappaB signalling and the cystine-glutamate antiporter.

Technical Specifications

Generic / INN NameSulfasalazine
CAS Registry Number599-79-1
Molecular FormulaC18H14N4O5S
Molecular Weight398.39 g/mol g/mol
Typical Purity97.0-101.0% on dried basis; free salicylic acid NMT 0.5%, sulfapyridine NMT 0.5%
Storage ConditionsStore in well-closed light-resistant containers at 15-30 C, protect from light and humidity
Shelf Life60 months from date of manufacture
CategorySulfonamides

Specifications are indicative and intended for sourcing reference only. Always confirm against the supplier's Certificate of Analysis and the applicable pharmacopeial monograph before issuing a purchase specification.

Typical Applications

Plain and enteric-coated oral tablets for ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

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