Sulfonamides are considered as an integral part of pharmaceutical drugs which is a classification of antibiotics or not particularly based on the constituents of medications or directions of usage. Adverse drug reaction can occur from any types of medications due to kinds of constituents added in it and individual body’s reaction to these. If allergy from particular antibiotics constituted of sulfonamide known as a sulpha drug allergy. What do you know about Sulfa Allergy Symptoms and Sulfonamide Allergy?
Let us study about it in detail to know about the sulfa allergy symptoms. Sulfa antibiotics which are commonly used to treat infections or any type of illness are Septra, Bactrim, and Pediazole. Sulfa antibiotics were firstly used by the doctors to treat infections or any type of illness but due to side effects attached which were causing sulfa allergy symptoms thus use are declining. In relation to the structure of antibiotics, the sulphonamides have contrast structures and features compared to non-antibiotic sulphonamides. Sulphonamides cause sulfa allergy symptoms if compared with non-antibiotic sulphonamides. Due to this reason, the antibiotics which are non-antibiotic sulphonamides cause less allergy history.
What are the Symptoms of Sulfa Drug Allergy from medications?
Some of the medications can cause sulfa drug allergy or can aggravate the symptoms. Let us study about those medications who are the constituents of sulphonamides or can cause allergy to skin rashes, vomiting etc. Following are the most common symptoms of sulfa drug allergy mentioned as skin reactions, renal and liver issues, respiratory issues, problems in blood vessels and blood count etc. Let us know about these all symptoms caused by medications in detail:-
Skin Reactions
Skin reaction is one of the common allergy caused by sulfa drugs. Skin reaction can result from a mild rash to severe skin allergic reactions caused due to sulfa drugs. If skin reactions get extreme can lead to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hives, epidermal necrosis. This can also result in photosensitivity which means enhanced sensitivity to sunlight. If skin rashes start to become prominent and popping of sulfa drugs is not stopped can turn into severe skin reaction. And sometimes can be fatal.
Renal and Liver Issues
If any individual has allergy from sulfa drugs can target on kidneys and liver and can deteriorate the function of these vital organs. If sulfa drugs are not stopped on the arrival of allergy can lead to kidney failure and hepatitis as a side effect of sulfa drug allergy.
Respiratory Issues
Sulfa drug allergy can turn into respiratory infections if any individual has a problem from the constituents of sulfa drugs. This can result into pneumonia and asthma if not taken proper care.
Problems in Blood vessels and blood count
If an individual is suffering from Sulfa allergy the blood count can be altered can result in decreased red blood cells, white blood cells and, platelets and can drastically affect the immune system of the body.
Some of the other symptoms of sulfa drug allergy.
- Skin rash or hives is caused due to sulfa allergy if not diagnosed or treated early.
- Itching on the whole body or on the skin can result due to sulfa allergy.
- Wheezing or other breathing problems can be caused due to sulfa allergy symptoms.
- Swelling of body parts can result due to sulfa allergy.
- Vomiting or nausea are some of the common and frequent symptoms occurs in individuals with sulfa allergy.
- Dizziness or blurredness is caused if a person has allergy from sulfa drugs.
Diagnosis of Sulfa Drug Allergy
Skin test or allergy test is done to diagnose the sulfa drug allergy. Doctor’s first take the patient’s medical history and skin tests result in identifying that there is any sulfa drug allergy or not. If an individual has a sulfa drug allergy, the doctor performs skin tests or allergen tests.
Management and Treatment of Sulfa Drug Allergy
For the treatment of sulfa drug allergy medications should be avoided to treat the allergy symptoms.
Medications to Avoid In Case of Sulfa Drug Allergy
Patients who are suffering from sulfa drug allergy should avoid certain medications. Before consuming any drug or avoiding any medications patients should consult with the doctors.
Avoid Sulfa Antibiotics
If patients have allergy symptoms from sulfa drugs should avoid sulfa antibiotics to prevent the complications of such medications.
Avoid Diuretics
Diuretics are the medications which increase the formation of urine in the body. Some Diuretics available contains sulfa which should be avoided to prevent the onset of symptoms. However, diuretics should be avoided by consulting physician.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are used and prescribed by the doctors to treat diabetes which contain sulfa constituents. This can be stopped when any patient finds any allergic reaction from such drugs. The symptoms can be rashes on the skin from mild to severe. It is advisable to consult with the doctors before the consumption of such drugs.
Celebrex
Celebrex is used to treat arthritis pain. But sulfa constituents cause allergy, hence its consumption should be consulted with doctors first.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. But it is advisable that patients who have sulfa drug allergy should not consume these drugs.
Imitrex
Imitrex is used to treat migraines but a person with sulfa drug allergy should avoid this medication.
Zonisamide
The Zonisamide is used for the treatment of seizure procedures. However, it contains sulfa constituents which can cause skin rashes, hence individual with sulfa drug allergy should avoid consumption of such medications.
Conclusion
Sulfa allergy symptoms are caused due to an immunological response of sulfa drugs. In some individuals, it may be highly effective whereas in some persons it may result in sulfa drug allergy and affect secondary immunological response. The skin rashes can result from mild to severe and hives, epidermal toxicity can be caused. Dear readers, if you know the other symptoms of sulfa drug allergy which are not mentioned in the article then kindly share with us. Hope you liked this article and your valuable suggestions and advise, are always welcome. Feel free to ask any queries.