Sulpha Drug Allergic Reactions for Kidney Infection

According to Mayo Clinic, "sulfa allergy" usually refers to a drug allergy to one of the antibiotics in the sulfonamide class. Some of these medications are used to treat kidney infections.

Identification

• The Mayo Clinic lists several common sulfonamide antibiotics that can trigger a significant allergic reaction: sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (brand names are Bactrim and Septra), and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole. These drugs are often used to treat infections of the urinary tract.

Effects

• According to Medline Plus, the first time you take a sulfonamide, your immune system may create an allergic response that's not very noticeable. If you're given either that drug or another sulfonamide again, you may notice allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, skin, rash, and breathing difficulties.

Warning

• Sulfa drugs may cause anaphylaxis, a medical emergency in people with severe allergies to the medication. You may faint, develop a rapid heartbeat and palpitations, feel confused, develop abdominal pain, and even go into cardiopulmonary arrest.

Considerations

• There are many other drugs effective against kidney infections, so there's no need to take sulfonamides if you have experienced allergic reactions to those medicines in the past.

Tips

• According to the Mayo Clinic, many generic and brand names for sulfa drugs do not contain the prefix "sul" or "sulfa". If you're allergic to sulfa drugs, tell your provider and your pharmacist so they can help identify potential problems.