Sulfa allergy can result in serious complications, including anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening type of allergic reaction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically develop within 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to an allergen.
These symptoms include:. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rarer complication of sulfa allergy. This condition consists of painful and blistered lesions on the skin and mucus membranes, including the:.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is more common in men than women. Some people also have a genetic predisposition for the condition. Sulfa is found in a variety of medications, including antibiotics and nonantibiotic drugs. An allergic reaction is more likely to occur from exposure to sulfa-containing antibiotics. Having an allergy to sulfa drugs is different from having an allergy to food or drinks that contain sulfites.
If you have an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, treatment will be centered on relieving your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve hives, rash, and itching. A bronchodilator may be prescribed if you have respiratory symptoms. Desensitization involves slowly introducing the medication at low doses until an effective dose is reached and tolerated. Both anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome require immediate medical attention.
Treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome includes:. There are no diagnostic tests for sulfa allergy. However, some tips for prevention of a further allergic reaction to sulfa drugs include:. Having a sulfa allergy means you have an allergic reaction to medications containing sulfa. While there are many medications that contain sulfa, allergic reactions to sulfa antibiotics are most common. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs include rash or hives, itchy skin or eyes, and swelling.
Complications of sulfa allergy include anaphylaxis and Steven-Johnson syndrome. A sulfa allergy occurs when a person has an allergic reaction to drugs that contain chemicals called sulfonamides. Sulfa is a constituent of some antibiotics and other medications. Doctors and pharmacists use drugs that contain sulfa to treat many conditions, including skin disorders, eye infections, and rheumatoid arthritis. People should note that there is a difference between sulfa and sulfite despite their similar names.
Sulfites are used as additives and preservatives in many wines and foods. Also, sulfa is different from sulfates and sulfur. Both sulfa medications and sulfite can cause allergic reactions, but these two conditions are not related.
A person who has a sulfa allergy will not necessarily have a sulfite allergy, so there is no cross-reactivity. In this article, we look at the signs and symptoms of a sulfa allergy, medications to avoid, complications, and treatment. A severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis , is a medical emergency, as it can be life-threatening. It is not clear why some people react to sulfa medications.
People have used sulfa-containing since to treat bacterial infections. Today, sulfa is present in many medications, including eye drops, burn creams, and vaginal suppositories. A person who thinks they have a sulfa allergy should either avoid the following medications or talk to their doctor about taking any of them:. However, not every medication that contains sulfonamides will trigger a reaction in people with a sulfa allergy.
People should discuss with their doctor whether it is safe to use the following medications. The doctor should evaluate the benefits on a case-by-case basis, as there may be cross-reactivity in some instances. Other medications that contain a sulfonamide do not appear to cause allergic reactions in people with a sulfa allergy.
Sulfa allergies and sulfite allergies are different. While sulfites occur naturally in foodstuffs, sulfa medications do not. Understandably, some people who have a sulfa allergy might think that they are allergic to sulfites, too, because the names of the two chemicals are similar. Both sulfa and sulfites can cause allergic reactions, but they are two separate allergies, and there is no link between them.
A person will not have to avoid food and drink containing sulfites just because they are sensitive or allergic to sulfa drugs. An allergy to sulfonamide medications is different from having an adverse reaction to wine or food that contains sulfites. Having a reaction to sulfites in something you eat or drink doesn't mean you'll be allergic to sulfonamide medication. Always tell your doctor about your sensitivities to medication. There are no diagnostic tests for sulfa allergy.
However, sulfa desensitization might be an option, especially if medication containing sulfamethoxazole is needed. James T C Li, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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