Salsalate (Salicylsalicylic Acid)(sal’ sa layt)
Amigesic, Argesic-SA, Artha-G, Disalcid, Marthritic, Salflex, Salsitab
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Analgesic (nonopioid)
Anti-inflammatory
Antirheumatic
NSAID
Salicylate
Therapeutic Actions
Analgesic and antirheumatic effects are attributable to the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, important mediators of inflammation; antipyretic effects are not fully understood, but salicylates probably act in the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus to block the effects of endogenous pyrogen by inhibiting the synthesis of the prostaglandin intermediary; after absorption, this drug is hydrolyzed into two molecules of salicylic acid; insoluble in gastric secretions, it is not absorbed in the stomach, but in the small intestine; reported to cause fewer GI adverse effects than aspirin.
Indications
Relief of mild to moderate pain
Relief of symptoms of various inflammatory conditions—rheumatic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to salicylates or NSAIDs, bleeding disorders, impaired hepatic or renal function, GI ulceration (less of a problem with salsalate than with other anti-inflammatories), lactation and perioperatively in patients
undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Use cautiously in pregnancy; and in children and teenagers with influenza or chickenpox—use of salicylates in these patients may be associated with the development of Reye syndrome. This acute, life-threatening condition, characterized by vomiting, lethargy, and belligerence, may progress to delirium and coma and has a mortality rate of 20%–30%.
Available Forms
Tablets—500, 750 mg
Dosages
Adults
3,000 mg/day PO given in divided doses.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
Pharmacokinetics
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