{the radical SO2NH2}can cause allergic reactions in some 'individuals, which may vary from mild rashes to severe forms of allergy. One of the more serious allergic reactions that can occur to sulfo:namides is the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Drug eruptions{symptom consisting of a breaking out and becoming visible}may be seen most often after the first week of therapy, but may appear earlier in individuals who have been previously exposed to the antibiotic. Discontinue the drug if such a reaction develops and report to your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor during all subsequent{following in order}visits about allergy to sulpha drugs. Not only sulfonamides, but also other sulfa drugs like certain oral anti diabetics (e.g. glibenc;lamide, tolbutamide etc.), antithyroid drugs (e.g. methimazole, carbimazole etc.) should be avoided by persons allergic to sulfa drugs.
Some sulfonamides are not very soluble in urine and may form crystals{a rock formed by the solidification of a substance}. Patients should therefore drink plenty of water while on these drugs.
Rarely, sulfonamides may cause nausea, vomiting and suppression of the bone marrow (tissue producing RBCs, WBCs. and platelets). They should be administered cautiously in patients receiving oral anticoagulants (agents which prevent clotting of blood), oral antidiabetic agents and the antiepileptic drug should not be administered to pregnant women.The cephalosporin -. group of antibiotics have been not introduced relatively recently in therapy.
They have a structure similar to that of penicillins{ An antibiotic drug}. Depending on their spectrum of activity (i.e., the type of bacteria that are susceptible to these drugs), they have been divided into first, second, third, and fourth generation, antibiotics. Most of these are available as injections (cephalothin, cefazolin,cefamandole etc.). Some agents like cephalexin, cefaclor etc. are available for oral use
. '
Since cephalosporins are one of' the 'latest' antibiotics, they are' used in therapy for severe infections, particularly in infections where the organisms are known or presumed to have developed resistance to the older agents.
Because of their structural similarity to penicillins, allergic reactions akin to those seen with penicillins are the most common side¬effects seen with cephalosporins. The different allergic and hypersensitivity{extreme sensitivity}reactions associated with penicillins have been discussed in detail in the previous issue. The most dangerous of these include acute anaphylaxis (sudden, severe fall in blood pressure, severe constriction of the air passages), and angioedema (marked swelling of the lips, tongue, face and periorbital tissues,frequently accompanied by asthmatic breathing). Both these
conditions may be fatal. If a patient is allergic to penicillins, there is a high chance that he may be allergic to cephalosporins as well. Hence these drugs have to be avoided if possible in such patients. Other side-effects associatedwith particular cephalosporins{one of several broad spectrum antibiotic substances}include diarrhoea and bleeding tendencies due to interference with clotting of blood. Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages when you are on cephalosporins, as they affect the metabolism{ The chemical processes by which cells produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life}of alcohol in the body. This may give rise to unpleasant reactions.
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