Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Salsalate
Other Names: Argesic-SA
Drug Class: Salicylates
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Salsalate Tablets? (Back to top)
SALSALATE is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) related to aspirin. It is used to help treat the pain of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach bleeding or ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to salsalate, other salicylates, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food if your stomach gets upset. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• ketorolac
• probenecid

• acetazolamide
• alcohol
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• bismuth subsalicylate
• cidofovir
• diuretics
• flavocoxid
• lithium
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like clopidel, ticlopidine, warfarin
• medicines for blood pressure
• methazolamide
• methotrexate
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• sulfinpyrazone
• varicella virus live vaccine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or in vomit
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing, ringing in the ears
• chest pain
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body
• unexplained weight gain or swelling
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of eyes or skin
• unusual bleeding or bruising

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:February 18, 2008

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