Sulfa antibiotics are anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating maladies such as Crohn's Disease, an inflammation of the colon and bowel which can cause severe pain and diarrhea, and lead to malnutrition. Sulfa antibiotics can cause a number of side effects, especially in those who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Antibiotics that contain sulfonamides include sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (which is marketed as Septra and Bactrim), erythromycin-sulfisoxazole, sulfasalazine (marketed as Azulfidine), and Dapsone, used to treat leprosy.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset is one side effect of sulfa antibiotics. Related symptoms include nausea, vomiting and heartburn, and can progess to headaches, according to Mayo Clinic.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions to sulfa antibiotics include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness and confusion. Diarrhea, bloody stool, dark urine or blood in the urine are all signs of severe reaction and should receive immediate medical attention, according to Drugs.com.
Drug Interactions
Interactions with other medications such as blood thinners can be a dangerous side effect of sulfa medications, according to the Harvard Medical School website. Warfarin, marketed as Coumadin, for example, shouldn't be used with sulfa antibiotics because of the danger of uncontrolled bleeding.
Other Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects from using sulfa antibiotics include hallucination, rashes, numbness, tingling, headaches and coughing. Less serious side effects, according to Drugs.com, are mild dizziness, mild nausea and vaginal itching or discharge.
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