WARNING

Salsalate is a medication used primarily to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis. Like any medication, it can have side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of salsalate may include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Salsalate can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and stomach pain. In some cases, it can also cause ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to salsalate, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Allergic reactions can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Kidney Problems: Salsalate can affect kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney problems may include changes in urination frequency or color, swelling in the feet or ankles, or fatigue.
• Liver Damage: In rare cases, salsalate can cause liver damage or liver failure. Signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, or unusual tiredness.
• Blood Disorders: Salsalate may affect blood cell production, leading to conditions like anemia (low red blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Symptoms of these conditions may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or easy bruising.
• Hypoglycemia: Salsalate can lower blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or fainting.
• Fluid Retention: Some people may experience fluid retention or swelling, especially in the legs or ankles, while taking salsalate.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) can occur as a side effect of salsalate, although it’s relatively uncommon.

It’s important to note that these side effects are not exhaustive, and some individuals may experience other adverse reactions while taking salsalate. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking this medication, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for advice. Additionally, always follow your doctor’s instructions and dosage recommendations when taking any medication.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Salsalate is a medication prescribed primarily for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin in their mechanism of action. Here are some common reasons why salsalate might be prescribed:

• Arthritis: Salsalate is often used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile arthritis.
• Joint Pain: It can also be prescribed for other types of joint pain, such as bursitis or tendonitis.
• Fever: Salsalate may be used to reduce fever, though it’s not typically the first choice for this purpose.
• Other Inflammatory Conditions: In some cases, salsalate might be prescribed for other inflammatory conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although other medications are more commonly used for these conditions.

How should this medicine be used?

Salsalate is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. However, typical dosages for adults range from 3,000 to 6,000 milligrams per day, divided into multiple doses. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage and timing.

Here are some general guidelines for taking salsalate:

• Take with Food or Milk: Salsalate can irritate the stomach lining, so it’s often recommended to take it with food or milk to help reduce stomach upset.
• Do Not Crush or Chew: Swallow the tablets or capsules whole, without crushing or chewing them, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water while taking salsalate to help prevent dehydration and minimize the risk of kidney problems.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may monitor your kidney function, liver function, and blood sugar levels regularly while you’re taking salsalate to detect any potential side effects or complications.
• Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking salsalate can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects. It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit your intake while on this medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions on how to take salsalate, and inform them of any other medications or supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Other uses for this medicine

• Salsalate has been explored for potential benefits beyond its primary indications. Some research suggests it may have a role in reducing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, though further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this purpose.
• Additionally, there is ongoing investigation into the potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of salsalate in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. However, its use for these purposes is still experimental and not widely accepted.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when taking salsalate:

• Medical History: Before taking salsalate, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding disorders, diabetes, or allergies to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking salsalate with your healthcare provider. Salsalate may not be recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it may affect the unborn baby or interfere with labor and delivery.
• Drug Interactions: Salsalate may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, diuretics, methotrexate, certain antidepressants, and others. Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, you may be at increased risk of an allergic reaction to salsalate. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, while taking salsalate.
• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidney function, liver function, blood sugar levels, and other parameters regularly while you are taking salsalate to detect any potential side effects or complications.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and dosage recommendations when taking salsalate or any other medication. If you have any questions or concerns about salsalate or its uses, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Take with Food: Salsalate can irritate the stomach lining, so it’s often recommended to take it with food or milk to help reduce stomach upset.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water while taking salsalate to help prevent dehydration and minimize the risk of kidney problems.
• Limit Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking salsalate can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects. It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit your intake while on this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of salsalate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Salsalate, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of salsalate may include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Salsalate can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and stomach pain. In some cases, it can also cause ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to salsalate, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Allergic reactions can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Kidney Problems: Salsalate can affect kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney problems may include changes in urination frequency or color, swelling in the feet or ankles, or fatigue.
• Liver Damage: In rare cases, salsalate can cause liver damage or liver failure. Signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, or unusual tiredness.
• Blood Disorders: Salsalate may affect blood cell production, leading to conditions like anemia (low red blood cell count) or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Symptoms of these conditions may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or easy bruising.
• Hypoglycemia: Salsalate can lower blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or fainting.
• Fluid Retention: Some people may experience fluid retention or swelling, especially in the legs or ankles, while taking salsalate.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) can occur as a side effect of salsalate, although it’s relatively uncommon.

It’s important to note that these side effects are not exhaustive, and some individuals may experience other adverse reactions while taking salsalate. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking this medication, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for advice. Additionally, always follow your doctor’s instructions and dosage recommendations when taking any medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to the storage and disposal of salsalate, here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Storage:
  • Store salsalate tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
  • Keep the medication in its original packaging or container, tightly closed when not in use.
  • Avoid storing salsalate in the bathroom or kitchen, where it may be exposed to moisture.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of expired or unused salsalate properly to prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or others.
  • Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  • You can often dispose of medications by mixing them with an undesirable substance (e.g., coffee grounds or kitty litter) in a sealed plastic bag and throwing it in the trash. Alternatively, some communities have medication take-back programs or facilities where you can safely dispose of unused medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose with salsalate, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include ringing in the ears, confusion, rapid breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, rapid heart rate, or fainting. Be sure to have the container or packaging of the medication available so that healthcare providers can identify the substance and provide appropriate treatment.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your kidney function, liver function, blood sugar levels, and other parameters regularly while you are taking salsalate to detect any potential side effects or complications.
• Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking salsalate can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects. It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit your intake while on this medication.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and dosage recommendations when taking salsalate. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take it for longer than recommended.
• Interactions: Salsalate may interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs, you may be at increased risk of an allergic reaction to salsalate. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking salsalate.

If you have any questions or concerns about salsalate or its use, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.