Drug interactions
Lithium + Sulfasalazine
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Sulfasalazine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Isolated reports suggest sulfasalazine may increase lithium levels, though the data are limited. Raised levels could lead to tremor, nausea and neurological toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Sulfasalazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Possible reduction in renal lithium clearance; the mechanism is not well established.
What to do
Measure lithium levels after starting sulfasalazine and following dose changes, along with renal function. Reduce the lithium dose if levels are elevated.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Sulfasalazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Isolated reports suggest sulfasalazine may increase lithium levels, though the data are limited. Raised levels could lead to tremor, nausea and neurological toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Sulfasalazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Measure lithium levels after starting sulfasalazine and following dose changes, along with renal function. Reduce the lithium dose if levels are elevated.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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