LACK OF INTERACTION BETWEEN SULPHASALAZINE AND CIMETIDINE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The interaction between sulphasalazine and cimetidine has beenstudied, a drug combination which is quite likely in view ofthe higher incidence of peptic ulceration in patients with RA.Nine patients with RA on sulphasalazine (group I) were givencimetidine 400 mg three times daily and followed up for 18 weeks.In addition, five patients on sulphasalazine alone (group II),who served as a control group, were also followed up in thesame manner as group I. Monitoring included assessment of diseaseactivity and haematological variables, and measurement of plasmaand urinary levels of sulphapyridine and its metabolites. Therewas no significant change in either the haematological parametersor sulphapyridine pharmacokinetics upon administration of cimetidine.We therefore conclude that cimetidine may be safely used inpatients with RA who are being treated with sulphasalazine. KEY WORDS: Sulphasalazine, Cimetidine, Interaction ^*Present address: Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute. Universityof Aston. Aston Triangle. Birmingham B4 7EY.