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: 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. This is called drug desensitization. You’ll take a very small dose at first and then larger doses over several hours or days. Your doctor will watch you closely for any negative reactions. Sulfa Allergy Complications
Though rare, a sulfa allergy can cause serious problems, such as: Anaphylaxis.