What Medications to Avoid If You Have a Sulfa Allergy

I had a severe reaction as a child to a sulfa medication. I have always let doctors know of this allergy ever since I can remember. Despite this knowledge, I unknowingly was prescribed a medication that almost cost me my life. This article is intended to help other people allergic to sulfa drugs to avoid this situation.

A person that is allergic to sulfa refers to someone that has had a bad reaction to the group of medications containing sulfonamides. This group of medications includes both antibiotic ones as well as non-antibiotic ones. Sulfonamides are not used very often due to the common adverse reactions associated with them. The ones most commonly used are Septra, Bactrim, and Pediazole.

Antibiotic sulfonamides are structurally different than non-antibiotic sulfonamides and seem to cause more side effects in people. There are numerous ways that people allergic to sulfa can react. Some reactions may be mild, while others may prove to be life-threatening.

Skin reactions are common, such as rashes and hives. These reactions may be mild, but may develop into more severe reactions such as Steven's Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Photosensitivity is common, thus avoiding sunlight is important.

Hepatitis has developed among those allergic to sulfa resulting in kidney and liver problems. Lung problems also have been associated with those taking sulfonamides when allergic. Blood reactions like decreased white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets may pose a problem. I developed methemoglobinemia as an allergic reaction to a medication. This caused my hemoglobin to crash, thus causing hypoxia throughout my body.

Treatment for adverse sulfa reactions starts with discontinuing the medication. Symptoms will disappear as the drug levels decrease in the person's body. In severe reactions, the problems will need to be addressed and treated. I can not stress enough the importance of listening to your body. I had begun to feel bad a few weeks after beginning my new medication. I shrugged my symptoms off as a touch of the flu. By the time I sought medical treatment, I was in critical condition. Listen and be aware of how you feel. It can save your life.

A person with an allergy to sulfa needs to avoid certain medications. These medications include sulfa antibiotics such as Septra, Bactrim, as well as all generics for these drugs, Sulfadizine, Sulfisoxazole, and Dapsone . Topical antibiotics like Sulfacetamide eye drops/shampoos/creams/ Silver Sulfadiazine cream, and Sulfanilamide vaginal preparations should also be avoided.

Sulfa containing diuretics are usually not a problem, but it is important to use them with caution. If you have a reaction of any kind, seek medical help immediately. Diabetic medications such as Sulfonylureas are similar to sulfonamides, and should be used with caution. These medications include Chloropropamide, Gyburide, and Glipizide. There have been few problems associated with their use, but again, use with caution.

Celebrex is used a lot for pain control and arthritis. It is a sulfonamide medication. Those allergic to sulfa, is advised to avoid using this medication. There are other structurally similar drugs to avoid and include Azulfidine( a rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel med) and Zonisamide(a seizure med). Dapsone which is used for dermatitis, leprosy, and certain pnemonias is also structurally related to sulfonamides, and should be avoided. This was the drug that caused my near fatal episode.

There are other drugs to avoid that can cause bad reactions in people allergic to sulfa. It is important to discuss this issue with your doctor and pharmacist. This can help you avoid a reaction that you may not live to tell about. I hope this article helps to prevent reactions in those suffering from sulfa allergy.

Sources:

MayoClinic.com
About.com