Salsalate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is Salsalate for?

Salsalate is a medication to relieve pain due to various conditions, including swelling and stiffness in joints due to arthritis. This drug is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

What are the rules for using Salsalate?

Take this medication, usually 2-3 times a day with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 ml) or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine. If the stomach reacts when taking this medicine, take it with food, milk or an antacid.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, use this medication in the lowest effective dose in the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or for longer than prescribed. For ongoing conditions such as arthritis, continue treatment of this drug as directed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist.

For certain conditions (such as arthritis), it may take up to 2 weeks for this medication to be used regularly for full benefits.

If you are taking this medication "as needed" (not regularly), remember that painkillers work best when they are used when the first signs of pain appear. If you wait for your symptoms to worsen, your medications may not be working effectively.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, get worse or if you experience new symptoms.

How to store Salsalate?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Salsalate for adults?

Salsalate 3000 mg orally per day, given in 2 different doses as follows:

• 2 doses with 2 750 mg tablets, OR
• 2 doses with 3 500 mg tablets, OR
• 3 doses with 2 500 mg tablets.

What is the dosage of Salsalate for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage and preparation is Salsalate available?

Salsalate is available in the following dosages:

500 mg capsules; 750 mg

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Salsalate?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects, such as:

• Chest pain, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, disturbances in vision or balance
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Feel you are going to pass out
• Stool that is black or bloody
• Coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears
• Swelling of the hands or feet, rapidly increasing body weight
• Heart beat fast
• Easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms
• Urinating more or less than usual
• Severe stomach pain, ongoing nausea or vomiting
• Cloudy urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects can include:

• Heartburn, stomach acid
• Lightheadedness.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Salsalate?

Reye's Syndrome can appear in people who have chickenpox, influenza or flu symptoms. Several studies have shown a possible link between the development of Reye's Syndrome and the use of drugs containing salicylates or aspirin. Salsalate contains salicylates and is not recommended in patients with chickenpox, influenza or flu symptoms.

Is Salsalate safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Salsalate?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Tell your doctor if you are using:

• Acetazolamide (Diamox);
• Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• Lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid);
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• Pemetrexed (Alimta);
• Tenofovir (Viread);
• Anteidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft);
• Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• Oral medicines for diabetes;
• Diuretic (water pill);
• Medicines for gout such as probenecid (Benemid);
• Medicines for heart and blood pressure such as atenolol (Tenormin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), and others
• Medicines for blood clotting such as cilostazol (Pletal) or clopidogrel (Plavix);
• Medicines for osteoporosis such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel), and others
• Sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate (K-Lyte, Urocit-K), sodium citrate and citric acid (Bicitra, Oracit), or sodium citrate and potassium (Citrolith, Polycitra);
• Medicines for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Solfoton), valproic acid (Depakene);
• Steroid drugs (prednisone and others).

Can food or alcohol interact with Salsalate?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Salsalate?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.