Sulfasalazine vs. Aralen for Ulcerative Colitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Sulfasalazine

(Azulfidine)

Chloroquine

Summary for Sulfasalazine

Prescription only

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) is an anti-inflammatory medication that comes in immediate-release and delayed-release tablets. Both formulations are used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). The delayed-release tablets can also be used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults and children 6 years and older can take sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). It's best to split your total daily dose into a few smaller doses throughout the day. This medication can commonly cause stomach problems, such as nausea and indigestion, as side effects.

Indications for Sulfasalazine

Ulcerative colitis (UC) - immediate-release and delayed release tablets
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - delayed-release tablets only
Polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - delayed-release tablets only

Pros and Cons for Sulfasalazine

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Safe to take for children 6 years and older
Available as immediate-release and delayed-release tablets
Delayed-release tablets helpful for people with bothersome stomach upset from the medication

Cons

Can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset
Might cause low sperm count
Might require regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver, kidneys, and blood counts are healthy and normal
Might not be safe for people with allergies to sulfa drugs, aspirin, or other salicylates

Common Side Effects for Sulfasalazine

For UC:

Nausea (33%)
Vomiting (33%)
Stomach upset (belly pain and cramping; 33%)
Low appetite (33%)
Headache (33%)

For RA (delayed-release tablets only):

Nausea (19%)
Indigestion (13%)
Headache (9%)
Belly pain (8%)
Vomiting (8%)
Fever (5%)

Warnings for Sulfasalazine

Risk of liver, kidney, and blood problems
Low sperm count
Serious infections
Severe skin and allergic reactions

Summary for Aralen

Prescription only

Chloroquine works well to prevent and treat certain types of malaria. But it can cause serious side effects, such as heart rhythm problems.

Indications for Aralen

Treatment of uncomplicated malaria
Prevention of malaria in areas of the world where there's no chloroquine resistance
Extraintestinal amebiasis (a type of parasitic infection)

Pros and Cons for Aralen

Pros

Generally safe to use for malaria prevention and treatment during pregnancy
Can be taken by children
Can take with or without food
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Should be taken 2 weeks before traveling to an area with malaria, compared to some alternatives that can be taken 1-2 days before
Only works well against malaria from certain areas of the world
Can't treat severe malaria
Can worsen conditions, such as psoriasis or seizures

Common Side Effects for Aralen

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Headache
Rash
Itching

Warnings for Aralen

Heart problems
Low blood sugar
Muscle weakness and nerve problems
Worsening of psoriasis and porphyria
Hearing damage
Low blood counts
Liver or kidney damage
Seizures
Serious eye damage

Prices with our coupons for Sulfasalazine vs. Aralen

Sulfasalazine120 tablets / 500mg

$18.52$82.37

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Chloroquine Phosphate30 tablets / 250mg

$63.35$244.92

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Sulfasalazine vs. Aralen

Sulfasalazine

Chloroquine

Summary for Sulfasalazine

Indications for Sulfasalazine

Pros and Cons for Sulfasalazine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sulfasalazine

Warnings for Sulfasalazine

Summary for Aralen

Indications for Aralen

Pros and Cons for Aralen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aralen

Warnings for Aralen

Prices with our coupons for Sulfasalazine vs. Aralen

Compare other Ulcerative Colitis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Sulfasalazine

Chloroquine

Summary for Sulfasalazine

Indications for Sulfasalazine

Pros and Cons for Sulfasalazine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sulfasalazine

Warnings for Sulfasalazine

Summary for Aralen

Indications for Aralen

Pros and Cons for Aralen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aralen

Warnings for Aralen