Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.
Salsalate is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious GI events.
Rheumatic disorders: Oral: Note: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration; after observing the response to initial therapy, adjust dose as needed. Usual dose: 3 g per day in 2 to 3 divided doses
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling. Use is not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Refer to adult dosing. May require lower dosage.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 500 mg, 750 mg
Yes
Administer with food to decrease GI distress.
Rheumatic disorders: Treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related rheumatic disorders
Salsalate may be confused with sucralfate, sulfaSALAzine
KIDs List: Salicylates, when used in pediatric patients <18 years of age with suspicion of viral illness (influenza, chickenpox), are identified on the Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics (KIDs) list and should be used with caution due to risk of Reye syndrome (weak recommendation; very low quality of evidence) (PPA [Meyers 2020]).
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Hypotension
Central nervous system: Vertigo
Dermatologic: Skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal ulcer, nausea
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia
Hepatic: Abnormal hepatic function tests, hepatitis
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactic shock, angioedema
Otic: Auditory impairment, tinnitus
Renal: Decreased creatinine clearance, nephritis
Respiratory: Bronchospasm
Hypersensitivity to salsalate or any component of the formulation; asthma, urticaria, or allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAIDs; perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for salicylates is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Anaphylactoid reactions: Even in patients without prior exposure to salsalate, anaphylactoid reactions may occur; patients with "aspirin triad" (bronchial asthma, aspirin intolerance, rhinitis) may be at increased risk. Do not use in patients who experience bronchospasm, asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria with NSAID or aspirin therapy.
• Cardiovascular events: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular thrombotic events, including MI and stroke. Risk may be increased with duration of use or pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Carefully evaluate individual cardiovascular risk profiles prior to prescribing. Use caution with fluid retention or heart failure. Concurrent administration of salsalate, and potentially other nonselective NSAIDs, may interfere with aspirin’s cardioprotective effect. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce risk of cardiovascular events; alternate therapies should be considered for patients at high risk.
• Gastrointestinal events: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: NSAIDs may increase risk of gastrointestinal irritation, inflammation, ulceration, bleeding, and perforation. These events may occur at any time during therapy and without warning. Use caution with a history of GI disease (bleeding and/or ulcers), concurrent therapy with aspirin, anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids, smoking, use of alcohol, the elderly or debilitated patients. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce risk of GI adverse events; alternate therapies should be considered for patients at high risk. When used concomitantly with ≤325 mg of aspirin, a substantial increase in the risk of gastrointestinal complications (eg, ulcer) occurs; concomitant gastroprotective therapy (eg, proton pump inhibitors) is recommended (Bhatt, 2008).
• Hematologic effects: Platelet adhesion and aggregation may be decreased; may prolong bleeding time; patients with coagulation disorders or who are receiving anticoagulants should be monitored closely. Anemia may occur; patients on long-term NSAID therapy should be monitored for anemia.
• Hepatic effects: Severe hepatic reactions (eg, fulminant hepatitis, liver failure) have occurred with NSAID use, rarely (may be fatal); elevations of ALT or AST may occur; discontinue if signs or symptoms of liver disease develop, or if systemic manifestations occur.
• Salicylate sensitivity: Patients with sensitivity to tartrazine dyes, nasal polyps, and asthma may have an increased risk of salicylate sensitivity. Previous nonreaction does not guarantee future safe taking of medication.
• Skin reactions: NSAIDs may cause serious skin adverse events including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN); may be fatal; discontinue use at first sign of skin rash or hypersensitivity.
Disease-related concerns:
• Asthma: Do not administer to patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma; severe bronchospasm may occur. Use caution in patients with other forms of asthma.
• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Use is contraindicated for treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Risk of MI and stroke may be increased with use following CABG surgery.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with decreased hepatic function. Closely monitor patients with any abnormal LFT.
• Hypertension: Use with caution; may cause new-onset hypertension or worsening of existing hypertension. Response to ACE inhibitors, thiazides, or loop diuretics may be impaired with concurrent use of NSAIDs.
• Renal impairment: NSAID use may compromise existing renal function; dose-dependent decreases in prostaglandin synthesis may result from NSAID use, reducing renal blood flow which may cause renal decompensation. Patients with impaired renal function, dehydration, heart failure, liver dysfunction, those taking diuretics, and ACE inhibitors, and the elderly are at greater risk of renal toxicity. Rehydrate patient before starting therapy; monitor renal function closely. Not recommended for use in patients with advanced renal disease. Long-term NSAID use may result in renal papillary necrosis.
Special populations:
• Pediatric: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.
None known.
Agents with Antiplatelet Properties (e.g., P2Y12 inhibitors, NSAIDs, SSRIs, etc.): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Salicylates. Increased risk of bleeding may result. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects: Salicylates may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ajmaline: Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ajmaline. Specifically, the risk for cholestasis may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ammonium Chloride: May increase the serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Salicylates may enhance the nephrotoxic effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Salicylates may diminish the therapeutic effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Anticoagulants: Salicylates may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Anticoagulants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benzbromarone: Salicylates may diminish the therapeutic effect of Benzbromarone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors. Salicylate toxicity might be enhanced by this same combination. Management: Avoid these combinations when possible.Dichlorphenamide use with high-dose aspirin as contraindicated. If another combination is used, monitor patients closely for adverse effects. Tachypnea, anorexia, lethargy, and coma have been reported. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Corticosteroids (Systemic): Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Corticosteroids (Systemic). These specifically include gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Corticosteroids (Systemic) may decrease the serum concentration of Salicylates. Withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylate toxicity. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dexketoprofen: Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Dexketoprofen. Dexketoprofen may diminish the therapeutic effect of Salicylates. Salicylates may decrease the serum concentration of Dexketoprofen. Management: The use of high-dose salicylates (3 g/day or more in adults) together with dexketoprofen is inadvisable. Consider administering dexketoprofen 30-120 min after or at least 8 hrs before cardioprotective doses of aspirin to minimize any possible interaction. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ginkgo Biloba: May enhance the anticoagulant effect of Salicylates. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination of agents. Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding (especially intracranial bleeding) if salicylates are used in combination with ginkgo biloba. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Herbal Products with Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Effects (eg, Alfalfa, Anise, Bilberry): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Salicylates. Bleeding may occur. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hyaluronidase: Salicylates may diminish the therapeutic effect of Hyaluronidase. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Influenza Virus Vaccine (Live/Attenuated): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Salicylates. Specifically, Reye's syndrome may develop. Risk X: Avoid combination
Loop Diuretics: Salicylates may diminish the diuretic effect of Loop Diuretics. Loop Diuretics may increase the serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrexate: Salicylates may increase the serum concentration of Methotrexate. Salicylate doses used for prophylaxis of cardiovascular events are not likely to be of concern. Management: Consider avoiding coadministration of methotrexate and salicylates. If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor for increased toxic effects of methotrexate. Salicylate doses used for prophylaxis of cardiovascular events are not likely to be of concern. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Nonselective): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Salicylates. An increased risk of bleeding may be associated with use of this combination. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Nonselective) may diminish the cardioprotective effect of Salicylates. Salicylates may decrease the serum concentration of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Nonselective). Management: Nonselective NSAIDs may reduce aspirin's cardioprotective effects. Administer ibuprofen 30-120 minutes after immediate-release aspirin, 2 to 4 hours after extended-release aspirin, or 8 hours before aspirin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Salicylates. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is increased. Management: Coadministration of salicylates and topical NSAIDs is not recommended. If salicylates and topical NSAIDs are coadministered, ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and monitor for increased NSAID toxicities. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Potassium Phosphate: May increase the serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor therapy
PRALAtrexate: Salicylates may increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. Salicylate doses used for prophylaxis of cardiovascular events are unlikely to be of concern. Management: Consider avoiding concomitant use of salicylates and pralatrexate. If coadministered, monitor for increased pralatrexate adverse effects. Salicylate doses used for prophylaxis of cardiovascular events are not likely to be of concern. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Probenecid: Salicylates may diminish the therapeutic effect of Probenecid. Risk X: Avoid combination
Salicylates: May enhance the anticoagulant effect of other Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sulfinpyrazone: Salicylates may decrease the serum concentration of Sulfinpyrazone. Risk X: Avoid combination
Thrombolytic Agents: Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Thrombolytic Agents. An increased risk of bleeding may occur. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Valproate Products: Salicylates may increase the serum concentration of Valproate Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Varicella Virus-Containing Vaccines: Salicylates may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Varicella Virus-Containing Vaccines. Specifically, the risk for Reye's syndrome may increase. Risk X: Avoid combination
Salsalate peak serum levels may be delayed if taken with food. Management: May administer with food to decrease GI distress.
Adverse events have not been observed in animal reproduction studies. Due to the known effects of salicylates (closure of ductus arteriosus), use during late pregnancy should be avoided.
Salsalate is metabolized to salicylic acid which is excreted in breast milk in concentrations equivalent to maternal blood concentrations. An infant may ingest up to 80% per kg body weight as the mother is taking. The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering salsalate to nursing women.
May be taken with food to decrease GI distress.
Signs and symptoms of GI bleeding; BP; renal function; urinary pH; plasma salicylate, CBC, and chemistry profile periodically during long term therapy.
Therapeutic levels: 10 to 30 mg per 100 mL
Toxic levels: >30 mg per 100 mL
Salsalate inhibits prostaglandin synthesis providing, anti-inflammatory effects with less inhibition of platelet aggregation than aspirin
Onset of action: Therapeutic: 3 to 4 days of continuous dosing
Absorption: Complete from small intestine; food slows absorption
Metabolism: Salsalate is partially hydrolyzed in the intestine to two moles of salicylic acid (active) and metabolites; salicylates are further metabolized in the liver
Half-life elimination: Salsalate: ~1 hour; Salicylic acid 3.5 to ≥16 hours (due to capacity limited biotransformation)
Excretion: Primarily urine
Tablets (Salsalate Oral)
500 mg (per each): $1.56 - $1.95
750 mg (per each): $1.22 - $2.80
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