title: Comparison of responses to and adverse effects of graded doses of sulfasalazine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Sulfasalazine (0, 0.5, 1, or 2 g daily in divided doses) was given to patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) insufficiently controlled by a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. Grip strength, Westergren sedimentation rate, and physician and patient global assessment improved in those patients given 2 g/day. Inadequate response was the primary reason for withdrawal in the groups given placebo or 0.5 g/day, while adverse reactions (mainly gastrointestinal upset or rash) accounted for most withdrawals from the groups that received 1 or 2 g/day. Although its use is limited by adverse reactions, sulfasalazine is effective in the treatment of patients with RA.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D012460:Sulfasalazine