The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal disturbances
(nausea, vomiting, anorexia) and allergic skin reactions (such as rash and
urticaria). FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF
SULFONAMIDES, ALTHOUGH RARE, HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO SEVERE REACTIONS, INCLUDING
STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS, FULMINANT HEPATIC
NECROSIS, AGRANULOCYTOSIS, APLASTIC ANEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD DYSCRASIAS (SEE WARNINGSSECTION).
Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia,
thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic
anemia, hypoprothrombinemia, methemoglobinemia, eosinophilia.
Allergic Reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome,
toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylaxis, allergic myocarditis, erythema
multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, angioedema, drug fever, chills,
Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, serum sickness-like syndrome, generalized allergic
reactions, generalized skin eruptions, photosensitivity, conjunctival and
scleral injection, pruritus, urticaria and rash. In addition, periarteritis
nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported.
Gastrointestinal: Hepatitis (including cholestatic
jaundice and hepatic necrosis), elevation of serum transaminase and bilirubin,
pseudomembranous enterocolitis, pancreatitis, stomatitis, glossitis, nausea,
emesis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia.
Genitourinary: Renal failure, interstitial
nephritis, BUN and serum creatinine elevation, toxic nephrosis with oliguria
andanuria, crystalluria and nephrotoxicity in association with cyclosporine.
Metabolic and Nutritional: Hyperkalemia (see PRECAUTIONS:
Use in the Treatment of and Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in
Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Neurologic: Aseptic meningitis, convulsions,
peripheral neuritis, ataxia, vertigo, tinnitus, headache.
Psychiatric: Hallucinations, depression, apathy,
nervousness.
Endocrine: The sulfonamides bear certain chemical
similarities to some goitrogens, diuretics (acetazolamide and the thiazides) and
oral hypoglycemic agents. Cross-sensitivity may exist with these agents.
Diuresis and hypoglycemia have occurred rarely in patients receiving
sulfonamides.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia and myalgia. Isolated
cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported with sulfamethoxazole and
trimethoprim, mainly in AIDS patients.
Respiratory: Cough, shortness of breath and
pulmonary infiltrates (see WARNINGS).
Miscellaneous: Weakness, fatigue, insomnia.