What to Avoid for a Sulfa Allergy

Sulfa drugs have been used for decades as an inexpensive way to treat bacterial and fungal infections. In some, they can cause allergic reactions that can be life threatening.

Types

• Sulfanomides are the group of drugs that contain sulfa, which are dispensed in several forms including pills, ointments, drops and creams.

Allergic Reactions

• Reactions to sulfa drugs can range from simple rashes, to the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Kidney and liver damage is possible, as are adverse lung and blood reactions.

Antibiotics

• Septra and Bactrim are two brand names for sulfa antibiotics. Sulfamethoxazole or Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole may be on the medication label. Not all sulfa drugs have the prefix "sul" or "sulfa."

Related Drugs

• Some drugs are closely related to sulfa drugs and may cause a sulfa allergic reaction. These can include drugs used to treat Crohn's disease, dermatitis and pneumonia, diabetes, inflammation and migraines. Some diuretics contain compounds closely related to sulfonamides.

Precautions

• People who have HIV/AIDS may be more prone to allergic reactions from sulfa drugs. If you have a sulfa allergy and are not certain about a medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Sulfa drugs may also interact with other medications.