Title: Sulfa Allergy: Drug List, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Headings: What Is a Sulfa Allergy?
What Is a Sulfa Allergy?
Overview
Sulfa vs. sulfite allergy
What are the symptoms?
Are there any complications?
Anaphylaxis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
What types of drugs cause this allergy?
Are sulfas found in foods?
What are the treatment options?
How to prevent a sulfa allergic reaction
The takeaway

Content: Having an allergy to sulfa drugs is different from having an allergy to food or drinks that contain sulfites. Unless you’ve had a reaction to sulfites, consuming food or drink that contains sulfites is OK. Conversely, if you’ve had an allergic reaction to sulfites, it doesn’t mean that you’ll also be allergic to sulfa drugs. What are the treatment options? 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. Your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure if you need medication and there isn’t a sulfa-free alternative. Desensitization involves slowly introducing the medication at low doses until an effective dose is reached and tolerated. You’ll be monitored for allergic reactions as the medication doses are increased.