Title: Sulfa Allergies: What You Need to Know
Headings: Sulfa Allergy
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Sulfa Allergy
What Is a Sulfa Allergy?
Sulfa Allergy Symptoms
Drugs to Avoid With Sulfa Allergies

Content: Drugs to Avoid With Sulfa Allergies
Sulfa antibiotics have been widely used for more than 70 years. The first antibiotic was a sulfa drug introduced in 1936. Today, these drugs include burn creams, vaginal suppositories, and eye drops as well as medications for many types of infections. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to one sulfa antibiotic, you’re probably allergic to all of them. Here are a few examples of common sulfa drugs that could cause problems: Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim ( Bactrim, Sulfatrim ), a sulfa combination drug that can be taken in liquid or pill form for many types of infections
Sulfacetamide ( BLEPH -10), drops for eye infections
Sulfadiazine silver ( Silvadene), a cream to prevent and treat burn infections
Sulfasalazine ( Azulfidine), pills for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
Dapsone (Aczone), which treats leprosy, dermatitis and certain kinds of pneumonia
Continued
Some sulfa drugs may be OK
Even if you’re allergic to antibiotics that have sulfa, you might be able to take some other types of sulfa drugs without a reaction. Ones that may be safe to take include: Glyburide ( Glynase, Diabeta ), a drug for diabetes
Celecoxib ( Celebrex ), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Sumatriptan ( Imitrex, Sumavel Dosepro, Zecuity), a migraine drug
Water pills, or diuretics, including furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide ( Microzide)
But be sure to tell your doctor if you have a sulfa allergy before taking any of these. Sulfa Allergy Treatments
You and your doctor will want to treat your allergy symptoms right away. Medications for a sulfa allergy in
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Epinephrine (for anaphylaxis)
If you’re allergic to a medication that you need to take, your doctor could start it slowly.