Sulfonamides (Sulfa Drugs)

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Sulfonamides are medications used to treat many kinds of infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. Commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, ear infections, bronchitis, bacterial meningitis, some eye infections, pneumonia, and traveler’s diarrhea. 1

Although tests with these medicines have not been studied sufficiently on human fetuses, some sulfonamides cause birth defects in laboratory animals. These drugs can also cause jaundice and increase the risk of brain damage in a child, particularly when used during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sulfa drugs are a category D medication indicating clear problems in pregnancy. 2Therefore, pregnant women are advised not to use Sulfa Drugs during the time of labor and delivery to prevent side effects in the baby. Furthermore sulfonamides pass into breast milk and may cause liver problems, anemia, and other problems in nursing babies whose mothers take the medicine. Women should not breast feed while taking these drugs.

REFERENCES:

1 Unknown. (July 31, 2007). Sulfonamides. September 28, 2007. from http://www.drugs.com/cons/sulfonamides.html

2 Greenfield, M. (March 26, 2001). Commonly Used Antibiotics in Pregnancy. September 28, 2007. from http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5314,00.html