Sulfa allergy Which medications should I avoid - Mayo Clinic
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Sulfa allergy Which medications should I avoid
Products and services I have a sulfa allergy Do I need to avoid certain medications
Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. Someone who has a sulfa allergy can react to some medications that contain sulfa. Sulfonamide antibiotics that can cause a reaction
Antibiotics containing chemicals called sulfonamides can trigger a reaction if you have a sulfa allergy. These antibiotics include combination drugs: Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra, Bactrim) Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole Other medications that may cause a reaction
Other types of sulfa medications may trigger a reaction in some people who have a sulfonamide antibiotic allergy: Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis Dapsone, used to treat leprosy, dermatitis and certain types of pneumonia Keep in mind that if you have a reaction to a sulfonamide antibiotic, you may still be able to take other sulfonamide medications without having a reaction. Sulfonamide medications that may be OK
Certain diabetes medications - glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta) and glimepiride (Amaryl), for example Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) The migraine medication sumatriptan (Imitrex) Certain "water pills" (diuretics), such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) An allergy to sulfonamide medications is different from having an adverse reaction to wine or food that contains sulfites. Having a reaction to sulfites in something you eat or drink doesn't mean you'll be allergic to sulfonamide medication. If you have HIV/AIDS, you may have an increased sensitivity to sulfonamide medications. Always tell your doctor about your sensitivities to medication. There are no diagnostic tests for sulfa allergy. However, sulfa desensitization might be an option, especially if medication containing sulfamethoxazole is needed. With James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing
You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription
Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Aspirin allergy ShareTweet Sept. 29, 2021 Show references Giles A, et al. Sulfonamide allergies. Pharmacy. 2019; doi:10.3390/pharmacy7030132. Accessed Oct. 28, 2019. Drug allergies. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/drug-allergies. Accessed Oct. 22, 2019. Montanaro A. Sulfonamide allergy in HIV-uninfected patients. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 22, 2019. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter - Digital Edition See also
AllergiesAllergy medications: Know your optionsAllergy-proof your homeAnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis: First aidAspirin allergyAvoid rebound nasal congestionDiarrheaDizzinessDoes honey offer sweet relief for allergies?Drug allergyDrug desensitizationHives and angioedemaNasal CleaningNasal spray addiction: Is it real?Nausea and vomitingPrednisone risks, benefitsPrednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?ShockShortness of breathCommon skin rashesTachycardiaAllergy testsShow more related content Advertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20057970 Home Sulfa allergy Which medications should I avoid Mayo Clinic Footer
Legal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies Advertising
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.Advertising and sponsorship policyAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities Reprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.