Explain what a sulfa allergy is and how it differs from other drug allergies. Sulfa drugs contain sulfonamides, which are often included in antibiotics and in other drugs. In this section, be sure to provide information about the medications that patients should avoid. Emphasis should be placed on checking for sulfa content to limit severe or fatal reactions.
What Is a Sulfa Allergy and Why Does It Happen?
- What Causes Sulfa Allergies?: Address the cause of sulfa allergies based upon the immune system’s reaction to the sulfonamide compound in medications (including but not limited to antibiotics). Cover typical symptoms for sulfa allergies, including skin rashes and hives, as well as fever and anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
- How Sulfa Allergies Differ from Other Allergies: Briefly explain how sulfa allergies are different from other drug allergies, such as a penicillin allergy with reference to the variety of variants that contain sulfa which give rise to allergic reactions.
- How Conventional Treatments Tend to Prescribe for Sulfa Allergies: Discuss how conventional medicine typically prescribed for allergic reactions to sulfa (e.g. antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine for anaphylaxis).
What Medications Contain Sulfa and Should Be Avoided?
This will detail common prescription medications that contain sulfonamides and must be avoided, including:
- Antibiotics: Sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Diuretics: Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide
- Diabetic Medications: Glyburide, Glipizide
- Other Drugs: Sulfasalazine (for inflammatory bowel disease), some anti-seizure medications and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
We will describe the categories of drugs that pose a risk to the patient with sulfa allergy and what may happen to the patient who takes them. We will describe what type of reactions may occur when a patient with a sulfa allergy takes these medications (e.g., rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing).
When to Consult a Doctor About Sulfa Allergy
- Discuss the symptoms of a sulfa allergy and that allergic reactions can occur from mild (rashes, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing) reactions.
- Explain when seeking immediate medical attention is warranted if severe reactions are occurring ( ex. swelling of their throat, difficulty breathing).
- Mention that patients with a sulfa allergy must see their allergist or health care provider regularly to monitor their allergy and any new medication that there may be a reaction to in the pets they own.
Tips for Living with a Sulfa Allergy
- Agreements on an Allergy-Friendly Medication List: Make an updated list of medications that contain sulfa and they should share it with doctors, pharmacists, and family members.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes: While sulfa allergies are drug related, remind them that know potential environmental factors or possible other allergies that could affect their health.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet: Wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies the sulfa allergy is recommended in case of emergency.
Conclusion
Knowing which medications contain sulfa is critical as the reactions can be very serious and potentially life threatening. Along with understanding the reactions such as rash, swelling, or shortness of breath, it is necessary to learn how to manage a possible sulfa allergy safely by knowing the symptoms early and getting information when needed. Participants must be advised to consult with their healthcare provider regarding new medications, and managing their sulfa allergy, because an informed patient can usually manage his or her sulfa allergy in a safe manner.
Additionally, an informed patient will be more likely to discuss the potential dangers of sulfa medications with their healthcare providers whenever necessary, and more likely to receive appropriate healthcare in a timely fashion.