A salicylate anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) for arthritis
Salsalate
A salicylate anti-inflammatory painkiller used to ease pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.
What is Salsalate?
Salsalate is an anti-inflammatory painkiller of the salicylate group, related to aspirin, used to ease pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. It is taken by mouth. Like other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), it can upset the stomach and, at higher levels, cause bleeding or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). It should be avoided by people who are allergic to aspirin, and it is not given to children with a viral illness because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome. It is taken with food and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Salsalate — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Salsalate is an anti-inflammatory painkiller belonging to the salicylate family, which also includes aspirin. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation, particularly in joint and muscle conditions such as arthritis. It is taken by mouth as tablets. Because it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it shares the typical benefits and cautions of that group, including stomach effects. As a salicylate, it also shares aspirin's specific cautions, such as being avoided in people with aspirin allergy and in children with a viral infection. It is used under medical guidance, usually with food.
How it works
Salsalate is broken down in the body to release salicylate, which reduces the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that drive pain, swelling and inflammation. By lowering these chemicals, it eases the pain and stiffness of conditions such as arthritis. Reducing prostaglandins also affects the protective lining of the stomach, which is why anti-inflammatory medicines like this can cause stomach upset and, sometimes, bleeding. At high levels in the blood, salicylates can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which can be an early sign that the dose is too high.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic.
A salicylate anti-inflammatory medicine, related to aspirin, used for pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.
What it treats
Conditions Salsalate is used for
Practical use
How to take Salsalate
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth with or after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms for the shortest time needed.
- Tell your prescriber if you notice ringing in the ears (tinnitus), as this can mean the dose is too high.
- Do not take it if you are allergic to aspirin, and do not give it to children or teenagers with a viral illness.
- Report black or bloodstained stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain straight away, as these can signal bleeding.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Salsalate
Advantages
- Eases pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.
- Taken by mouth as a tablet.
- A salicylate option for inflammatory and joint pain.
Disadvantages
- Can upset the stomach and, less commonly, cause stomach bleeding or ulcers.
- Can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) at higher levels in the blood.
- Must be avoided in aspirin allergy and not given to children with a viral illness because of Reye's syndrome.
Practical use
Good to know
Salsalate is an anti-inflammatory painkiller, so the usual NSAID cautions apply: it can upset the stomach and, less commonly, cause stomach bleeding or ulcers, which is why it is taken with food and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Because it is a salicylate like aspirin, two specific points matter: it should not be taken by people who are allergic to aspirin, and it should not be given to children or teenagers with a viral illness such as flu or chickenpox, because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome. A useful warning sign of too high a dose is ringing in the ears (tinnitus); if this happens, tell your prescriber. Tell your prescriber about stomach problems, kidney or heart conditions, and other medicines, as these affect whether it is suitable.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who are allergic to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory painkillers should not take it.
- Children and teenagers with a viral illness should not take it, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- People with a stomach ulcer or a history of stomach bleeding should avoid it or use it only with care.
- It is used with caution in people with kidney problems, heart failure, high blood pressure or asthma, under medical guidance.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how well it controls pain and whether it is still needed.
- Watching for stomach symptoms and signs of bleeding.
- Checking kidney function and blood pressure with longer use, especially in older people.
Side effects
- Stomach upset such as indigestion, nausea or tummy pain, especially without food.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which can be a sign the dose is too high.
- Less commonly, stomach bleeding or ulcers, which can be serious.
- Rarely but seriously, severe allergic reactions or kidney problems, which need urgent medical attention.
Key interactions
- Taking it with other anti-inflammatory painkillers or aspirin raises the risk of stomach bleeding.
- It can increase the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding.
- It can interact with some blood-pressure and water tablets, and with certain diabetes medicines, so tell your prescriber what you take.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Salsalate: frequently asked questions
What is salsalate used for?
It is an anti-inflammatory painkiller used to ease pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.
Is it like aspirin?
Yes. Salsalate is a salicylate, the same family as aspirin, so it shares some of aspirin's cautions, including being avoided in aspirin allergy.
Why should I take it with food?
Taking it with or after food helps reduce stomach upset, which is a common side effect of anti-inflammatory painkillers like this.
What does ringing in my ears mean?
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be a sign that the level of salicylate in your blood is too high, so tell your prescriber if it happens.
Can children take it?
It should not be given to children or teenagers with a viral illness, because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
The wider class
About Salicylate anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID)
Salsalate belongs to the salicylate anti-inflammatory painkiller (nsaid) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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