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Sulfasalazine vs. Aralen

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Sulfasalazine

(Azulfidine)

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Chloroquine

 

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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

Price Card Drug Icon
Sulfasalazine120 tablets / 500mg
$18.95$80.13
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Chloroquine Phosphate30 tablets / 250mg
$63.32$244.98
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