Sulfa Allergy

The term 'sulfa' is used with reference to a class of drugs called sulfonamides. Sulfonamides are used in both prescription antibiotics as well as non-antibiotic medications. Some of the common antibiotic sulfonamides include septra, bactrim, sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole. Though sulfonamides were one of the first antibiotics that were used for treating infections, due to the allergic reactions that might be caused by the use of these drugs, these are not prescribed by doctors very frequently. Sulfa allergy is one of the most common drug allergies. It generally manifests in the form of skin rashes, blood reactions and conditions associated with the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Though sulfonamides might prove to be beneficial in treating certain bacterial infections, if you have been diagnosed with this allergy, you must avoid using the drugs. Those who have a compromised immune system are more likely to suffer from this drug allergy.

Sulfa Drug Allergy

Symptoms

Skin reactions are one of the most common symptoms of sulfa drug allergy. Appearance of a rash is a common indicator of this drug allergy. A person diagnosed with this allergy might experience symptoms such as mild skin rashes or hives. If a person continues to consume these drugs, the mild rashes could develop into a severe skin condition. Other medical conditions associated with this drug allergy include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or photosensitivity.

When the respiratory system is affected by this allergy, one might experience symptoms such as fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. The treatment will begin once the doctors have determined the underlying cause of the allergic reaction. Whether you are having an allergic reaction to food or sulfonamides, the first step involves the avoidance of the food item or drug that is responsible for triggering an allergic reaction.

As mentioned earlier, the hypersensitive reaction of the body to these drugs could also manifest in the form of lung, kidney and liver problems. When the lungs are affected, the affected person might experience symptoms associated with pneumonia, asthma or vasculitis. Hepatitis, kidney failure and liver damage could also result from this drug allergy. Abnormalities in the number of blood cells and platelets is another symptom of this allergy. Since an anaphylactic reaction due to this allergy might be life-threatening, immediate medical attention is required for a person suffering from such a reaction.

Treatment

If you experience any of aforementioned symptoms after consuming any medicine that contains sulfonamides, you must consult your doctor soon. If the patient continues to consume the drugs in spite of experiencing an allergic reaction, the condition may worsen, it is therefore, important that the sulfonamides-based drugs and medications be discontinued immediately.

Sulfa drug allergy is basically diagnosed by examining the symptoms. The treatment of sulfa drug allergy is symptomatic. If a person is experiencing a skin reaction as a result of this allergy, doctors generally prescribe antihistamines. For those suffering from shortness of breath or an asthma attack, bronchodilators are used. Inflammation is treated with the help of corticosteroids. The patient must be immediately rushed to the hospital in case an anaphylactic shock is induced due to the consumption of sulfa drugs.

If you have been diagnosed with this allergy, make sure that you keep the doctors and pharmacists well-informed. Now let me tell you about some of the drugs that can induce this allergic reaction. Those who have been diagnosed with this allergy must avoid drugs such as septra, bactrim, sulfadiazine, sulfonylureas, sulfasalazine, celebrex, sulfisoxazole, zonisamide, imitrex and dapsone. Topical application of creams, eye drops and shampoos containing sulfacetamide must also be avoided. Certain diuretic medicines such as microzide and furosemide and medications for diabetes such as glyburide and glimepiride can also cause such allergic reactions and must not be used.

Though doctors are very careful while prescribing these drugs sometimes these medicines might be indispensable for treating certain infections. Under such circumstances, doctors follow another approach. Small doses of the medicine are given to the patients over a period of time so that their body becomes more tolerant. When the body reacts in a better way, the dosage can be increased.

So, this was some information on sulfa drug allergy. If you have been using any of the sulfonamide-based drugs and are experiencing any such symptoms, consult a doctor soon.