Sulfasalazine is a synthetic salicylic acid derivative and sulfonamide which can act as an antirhematic and gastrointestinal agent. It is formulated as a prodrug, and is metabolized into active metabolites sulfapyridine and mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA). Sulfasalazine and its metabolites have antibacterial, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory properties. The compound is an inhibitor of cystine-glutamate.
