Reactions to Sulpha Drugs
The accidental discovery of sulfanilamide in 1936 by German chemist started a new category of infectious disease-fighting medicines that are classified as sulfa drugs. Sulfa drugs have been very helpful in treating infectious diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia and scarlet fever. However, sulfa drugs may produce toxic effects in the body that include blood abnormalities and kidney damage. When given medical attention, it is the patient's responsibility to let the physician know if they suspect they might have a sulfa drug allergy.
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Common Uses
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Sulfa drugs are antibiotics often prescribed to help fight infections. The most commonly used sulfa drug is called sulfasalazine. Sulfa drugs are often prescribed to fight ear, eye and urinary tract infections. Chronic bronchitis and meningitis are other common applications. A physician will generally not prescribe a sulfa drug for a virus such as a cold or the flu as sulfa drugs do not work on viruses.
Skin Reactions
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The most common reaction to sulfa drugs is itchy skin rashes. Pale or yellowed skin may also be noticed. In more serious cases, reddish-purple spots may appear on the skin and the skin may also peel.
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Other Reactions
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An increased sensitivity to sunlight is also commonly experienced with sulfur drugs. As dizziness is common when taking sulfa drugs, operating a car or dangerous machinery should be avoided until the individual knows how they will react to taking them. Other reactions include sore throat, fever, shortness of breath and joint discomfort.
More serious reactions to sulfa drugs include quick and detrimental liver damage, blood disorders and a rare skin condition that causes skin blistering on delicate areas of the body.
Additional Infections
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Sulfa can create a toxic effect in the bloodstream. If injury occurs in another area of the body, sulfa may actually inhibit the body from being able to heal it. When taking a sulfa drug, be especially careful to avoid getting any cuts in or around the mouth as there tends to be a high amount of bacteria present in the mouth area that may cause an additional infection.
Sulfa Drugs and Sulfites
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Sulfa drugs should not be confused with sulfites, which are food additives. Although they do belong to the same family, sulfites do not share the same sulfonamide cluster with sulfa drugs. With this being said, sulfites, which are often used to preserve food, may nevertheless cause allergic reactions of their own for many people. Sensitivity to sulfites may cause abdominal pain, severe headaches, runny nose and a flushing of the face.
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