Sulphonamides adverse effects

Adverse effects of sulphonamides include malaise, diarrhoea, mental depression and rarely cyanosis, which latter is due to methaemoglobinaemia. These may all be transient and are not necessarily indications for stopping the drug. Crystalluria may rarely occur. 

Adverse effects. Any sulphonamide-induced allergic reactions can be severe, e.g. erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and foxic epidermal necrolysis. Because of its antifoT action the combination should not be used by pregnant women imless they take a folate supplement. 

The most important adverse effects of sulphonamides are rashes (common), renal failure and various blood disorders. 

Other such enzyme deficiencies have been revealed through an individual s adverse reaction to drugs. More than 90% of Orientals are genetically rapid N-acetylators of isoniazid (6.12), whereas only 40% of black or white citizens of the United States showed this trait (Kalow, 1962). Rapid acetylators produce acetylhydrazine, which can cause liver damage. The same inheritance controls the acetylation (deactivation) of the sulphonamide antibacterials. The rise of intraocular pressure when glucocorticoids are placed in the eye is another pharmacogenetic effect. Low and high responses are shown by 66% and 5%, respectively, of a sample white population. 

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