Serious complications of sulfasalazine.

Whereas minor side effects of sulfasalazine are common, serious adverse reactions to this drug generally are considered rare. However, this report discusses three major complications of sulfasalazine that occurred within the past three years, one resulting in the death of a patient. As more patients with inflammatory bowel disease are being managed by physicians of various disciplines, it is important to become familiar with the potentially dangerous side effects of all medications prescribed. For this reason, a brief review of the pharmacology, clinical use, and toxicity of sulfasalazine is presented.