Physician and scientific researcher Derhard Domagk first discovered sulfa drugs in 1939, winning a Nobel Prize for his development of the drug, prontosil, according to NobelPrize.org. These drugs quickly became popular because they are an effective treatment for bacterial infections. Doctors continue to prescribe them often, particularly for the prevention of infection from burns.
Sulfadiazine
The generic sulfa drug sulfadiazine kills bacteria which causes infections, such as those affecting the urinary tract, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. The person suffering the infection can take this prescribed medication up to six times daily without food with plenty of water. Common, non-serious side effects of sulfadiazine include nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. MedlinePlus indicates these side effects should end on their own, but a doctor should be consulted should they worsen or persist.
Sulfamethoxazole
Sulfamethoxazole, the generic name for an antibiotic used in combination with another antibiotic, trimethoprim, treats infections of the ear, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Drugs.com reports. This sulfa drug is available by prescription-only. It is taken twice per day on an empty stomach. Non-serious and common side effects include an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Sulfasalazine
Physicians may prescribe sulfasalazine, a generic anti-inflammatory medication, to treat bowel inflammation, rectal bleeding and ulcerative cholitis. Patients can take it without food as many as four times per day, at the doctor’s order. Medline Plus indicates fluids will help sulfasalazine work better. Common side effects include loss of appetite, diarrhea and headache.
Tolbutamide
This generic medication, used to treat type II diabetes, requires a prescription from a doctor. Taken twice a day, tolbutamide may sometimes be prescribed in different dosages depending on physician orders. Common side effects include indigestion, belching, fullness and discomfort, MayoClinic.com reports.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide, a prescribed generic sulfa medication, helps prevents the absorption of salt in the body. Salt causes the body to retain water. Contributing effects from factors such as the use of steroids and congestive heart failure add to the problem of fluid retention. Hydrochlorothiazide classifies as a diuretic and may find use controlling high blood pressure and other ailments. Common side effects include lightheadedness, constipation and diarrhea, Drugs.com indicates.
Glipizide
Glipizide, another generic prescribed sulfa medication for diabetes, helps the body to produce insulin, which causes elimination of excessive levels of sugar from the body. This medication should be taken with breakfast. Common side effects include headaches, stomach pain and nausea, Drugs.com states.
