Pins & Needles Sensation in the Legs From Sulfa Drugs

Side effects or adverse reactions to prescription medications cannot always be prevented. However, by reading patient information and warnings carefully, you can learn to recognize and respond to allergic reactions and thus avoid further problems.

Types

• Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) are classed as either antibiotics or diuretics. One side effect of sulfa diuretics is a tingling sensation in the lower extremities. According to James T. Li, M.D., asthma and allergy specialist at the Mayo Clinic, a patient may be allergic to sulfa antibiotics, but not have the same reaction to diuretics containing sulfonamides.

Allergic Reactions

• According to The U.S. National Library of Medicine, allergic reactions to sulfa drugs are one of the most common drug allergies, and include skin rashes and difficulty breathing. The numbness or tingling sensation in the legs experienced with sulfa containing diuretics can be a simple side effect or may signal the presence of an allergic reaction.This particular symptom is not common with sulfa antibiotics.

Prevention/Solution

• When taking sulfa antibiotics or diuretics, it is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention quickly to avoid serious health complications or in rare cases, death.