Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SALSALATE - ORAL

(SAL-suh-late)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Disalcid

WARNING: Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin- containing or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur.

Uses

Salsalate is an aspirin-like drug that reduces pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, joint pain or muscle strains.

How To Use

Salsalate is taken by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage depends on your condition. Take with a full glass of water, food or milk unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Side Effects

Stomach upset, heartburn, loss of appetite or nausea can occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you develop: persistent ringing in the ears, dizziness, difficulty hearing, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes, black stools. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: anemia, diabetes, gout, bleeding problems, kidney problems, liver problems, heart disease, alcohol use, ulcers or other stomach problems, allergies (especially to aspirin). This drug is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take this drug if they have chickenpox, influenza or any undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Salsalate should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Drugs closely related to salsalate are excreted into breast milk. High dose, long-term use of aspirin-related drugs are not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: "blood thinners" (anticoagulants and antiplatelet/pain medicines such as heparins, warfarin, NSAIDs-including aspirin, ibuprofen), oral anti-diabetic drugs, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), methotrexate, drugs used for gout (e.g., probenecid). It is important to carefully read all labels of other medicines to insure they do not also contain aspirin or aspirin-like drugs. Ingesting too much aspirin can have undesirable effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about the content of your medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, dizziness, ringing in the ears, headache, confusion, and sweating.

Notes

Regular use of salsalate may cause inaccurate results of urine tests. Diabetics should ask their doctors how to test for urine sugar.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.