Version July 2025
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.
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.
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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or aspirin therapy.
• Cardiovascular events: New onset or worsening of hypertension, fluid retention, and edema may occur in patients taking NSAIDs. Carefully evaluate individual cardiovascular risk profiles prior to prescribing. Use caution in patients with hypertension, 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.
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: Potentially serious, sometimes fatal, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, has been reported with NSAIDs. Early symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction (eg, lymphadenopathy, fever) may occur without rash; discontinue therapy and further evaluate if DRESS is suspected.
• Gastrointestinal events: 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: Risk of MI and stroke may be increased with use following coronary artery bypass graft 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; Reye syndrome may develop.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 500 mg, 750 mg
Yes
Tablets (Salsalate Oral)
500 mg (per each): $1.56 - $1.95
750 mg (per each): $1.22 - $2.80
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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]).
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects: Salicylates may increase hypoglycemic effects of Agents with Blood Glucose Lowering Effects. Risk C: Monitor
Ajmaline: Salicylates may increase adverse/toxic effects of Ajmaline. Specifically, the risk for cholestasis may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Ammonium Chloride: May increase serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Salicylates may decrease therapeutic effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Salicylates may increase nephrotoxic effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor
Anticoagulants: Salicylates may increase anticoagulant effects of Anticoagulants. Risk C: Monitor
Benzbromarone: Salicylates may decrease therapeutic effects of Benzbromarone. Risk C: Monitor
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Salicylates may increase adverse/toxic effects 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 increase adverse/toxic effects of Corticosteroids (Systemic). These specifically include gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Corticosteroids (Systemic) may decrease serum concentration of Salicylates. Withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylate toxicity. Risk C: Monitor
Dexketoprofen: Salicylates may increase adverse/toxic effects of Dexketoprofen. Dexketoprofen may decrease therapeutic effects of Salicylates. Salicylates may decrease 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
Ginkgo Biloba: May increase anticoagulant effects 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
Hyaluronidase: Salicylates may decrease therapeutic effects of Hyaluronidase. Risk C: Monitor
Influenza Virus Vaccine (Live/Attenuated): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Salicylates. Specifically, Reye's syndrome may develop. Risk X: Avoid
Loop Diuretics: Salicylates may decrease therapeutic effects of Loop Diuretics. Loop Diuretics may increase serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor
Methotrexate: Salicylates may increase 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 increase adverse/toxic effects of Salicylates. An increased risk of bleeding may be associated with use of this combination. Risk X: Avoid
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Topical): May increase adverse/toxic effects 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 serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor
PRALAtrexate: Salicylates may increase 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 decrease therapeutic effects of Probenecid. Salicylates may increase serum concentration of Probenecid. Probenecid may increase serum concentration of Salicylates. Risk X: Avoid
Salicylates: May increase anticoagulant effects of Salicylates. Risk C: Monitor
Sulfinpyrazone: Salicylates may decrease serum concentration of Sulfinpyrazone. Risk X: Avoid
Valproic Acid and Derivatives: Salicylates may increase serum concentration of Valproic Acid and Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor
Varicella Virus-Containing Vaccines: Salicylates may increase adverse/toxic effects of Varicella Virus-Containing Vaccines. Specifically, the risk for Reye's syndrome may increase. Risk X: Avoid
Salsalate peak serum levels may be delayed if taken with food. Management: May administer with food to decrease GI distress.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including salsalate, are associated with adverse fetal events. Nonteratogenic effects, including prenatal constriction of the ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, oligohydramnios, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal dysfunction or failure, and intracranial hemorrhage, have been observed in the fetus/neonate following in utero NSAID exposure (Bermas 2014; Bloor 2013). Maternal NSAID use may cause fetal renal dysfunction leading to oligohydramnios. Although rare, this may occur as early as 20 weeks' gestation and is more likely to occur with prolonged maternal use. Oligohydramnios may be reversible following discontinuation of the NSAID (Dathe 2019; FDA 2020). In addition, nonclosure of the ductus arteriosus postnatally may occur and be resistant to medical management (Bermas 2014; Bloor 2013).
Avoid maternal use of NSAIDs beginning at 20 weeks' gestation. If NSAID use is necessary between 20 and 30 weeks' gestation, limit use to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible; consider ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid if treatment extends beyond 48 hours, and discontinue the NSAID if oligohydramnios is found (FDA 2020). Because NSAIDs may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, prescribing information for salsalate specifically states to avoid use starting at 30 weeks' gestation.
Agents other than salsalate are preferred for the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during pregnancy (ACR [Sammaritano 2020]).
Salicylic acid, the active metabolite of salsalate, is present in breast milk.
Breast milk concentrations of salicylic acid are approximately the same as maternal blood concentrations. An infant exposed via breast milk may ingest 30% to 80% salicylate per kg body weight as the mother is taking.
The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering salsalate to nursing patients. If a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is needed for the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in lactating patients, agents other than salsalate are preferred (ACR [Sammaritano 2020]).
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; signs and symptoms of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (eg, fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia in association with other organ system involvement such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, myositis; early symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction may occur without rash).
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
