All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2020 by WebMD LLC. Jump To Category: Commenting is limited to medical professionals. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You’ll be monitored for allergic reactions as the medication doses are increased. Sulfites occur naturally, or are used as a preservative agent in some foods and drinks. Females are reported to have more reported drug hypersensitivity,Drug-specific factors, including duration of exposure and dose, should be considered to differentiate drug toxicities from drug allergies.A variety of desensitization protocols are available,Cross-reactivity with nonantimicrobial sulfonamides is a theoretical consideration for patients with a reported "sulfa allergy." You’re at an increased risk for this type of reaction if you have: Symptoms of anaphylaxis typically develop within 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of sulfa allergy are similar to those of other drug allergies. Sulfa allergies are different from sulfite allergies. Ending Silk PJ Prescriptions & Other Low Evidence Treatments Dermatology Advocacy Groups May Not Disclose ConflictsCommon Causes of Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety US Seniors Underrepresented in Drug Trials for Atopic Dermatitis Recent Advances in the Treatment of Uremic PruritusPharmacists Expanded Their Antimicrobial Stewardship Role During PandemicOhio's Pharmacy Board Bans Sale of HydroxychloroquineAsthma, Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Increased Risk of Depression and AnxietyUS Seniors Underrepresented in Drug Trials for Atopic DermatitisRecent Advances in the Treatment of Uremic PruritusLarge Study Links Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis to Severe COVID-19Share cases and questions with Physicians on Medscape Consult. Please see our Find Rx discounts at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. However, some tips for prevention of a further allergic reaction to sulfa drugs include:Having a sulfa allergy means you have an allergic reaction to medications containing sulfa. If you develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome, you’ll likely be admitted to an intensive care unit. About Sulfa allergies and sulfite allergies aren’t the same thing. Compare drug prices, get refill reminders and interaction alerts using our free medication tools. Desensitization involves slowly introducing the medication at low doses until an effective dose is reached and tolerated. If you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, epinephrine will usually be given. Get up to 80% discount on your prescriptions when you shop with Blink Pharmacy. Both of these are considered medical emergencies.Always make sure that your healthcare providers are aware of your sulfa allergy so medications containing sulfa can be avoided. While there are many medications that contain sulfa, allergic reactions to sulfa antibiotics are most common. The similarity between their names can cause some confusion. Lower prices. Same pills. Complications of sulfa allergy include anaphylaxis and Steven-Johnson syndrome. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties. Sulfa allergy can result in serious complications, including anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.. Anaphylaxis. Please enter a Recipient Address and/or check the Send me a copy checkbox. 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. Skin involvement is the hallmark of most drug allergies. Learn more about the differences between sulfa allergies and sulfite allergies and how to treat them. Sulfa allergy and allergy to sulfites found in food or drink aren’t the same thing.Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs include rash or hives, itchy skin or eyes, and swelling. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit. These symptoms include:Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rarer complication of sulfa allergy. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. A study of 94 patients found that 63% of reported TMP/SMX allergies were rash and hives.Patient-specific risk factors include a history of other drug allergies and previous use of the suspected medication or medication class. Please see our Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. All rights reserved. To comment please Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. An allergic reaction is more likely to occur from exposure to sulfa-containing antibiotics.Having an allergy to sulfa drugs is different from having an allergy to food or drinks that contain sulfites.