Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics that is sold under four brand names in the United States, according to the Drugs.com website. This medication interferes with the absorption of some vitamins, as well as interacts with many other medications. Because sulfonamides can block the absorption of folate as well as indirectly interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, ask your physician if you should take a supplement of these vitamins if you are on a sulfonamide.
Uses for Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides are prescribed for many types of infections. These infections include urinary tract infections, some types of eye infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections and infections in second- and third-degree burns, according to "Principles of Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers." Because sulfonamides are powerful antibiotics with many side effects and drug interactions, physicians usually only prescribe them if the infection is severe or if other medications have failed.
Sulfonamides and B12
Sulfonamides affect the body's productions of helpful bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria produce biotin, a B-complex vitamin that assists with the utilization of vitamin B12, according to "Nutrition Almanac." Taking sulfonamides can lead to a deficiency in biotin, which can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12. In addition to interfering with biotin, sulfonamides also interfere with folate synthesis. Folate and B12 work together to break down amino acids and proteins. Without folate, vitamin B12 may be less effective in helping metabolize foods.
Contraindications
Sulfonamides are contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, as well as for infants. Folate and B12 deficiency can cause anemia, so those with hereditary types of anemia or chronic problems with anemia should avoid taking sulfonamides. In addition, people with kidney or liver disease should avoid taking sulfonamides. Sulfonamides also interact with many medications, including common medications such as acetaminophen. Inform your physician about any medications you are taking before you take a sulfonamide.
When to Consult a Physician
Consult your physician immediately if you are taking sulfonamides and you experience dizziness, fatigue or headache. These may indicate that you are anemic, which could be a symptom of a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. In addition, consult your physician if you experience itching or skin rash, severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, joint or muscle aches, yellowing of the skin, change in the frequency of urination or quantity of urine, mood changes, yellow skin or swelling at the front of the neck. These side effects are rare, but they may indicate a severe reaction to the sulfonamides.
References
- Drugs.com: Sulfonamides
- Principles of Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers; Joel E. Houglum, et al.
- Nutrition Almanac; John D. Kirschmann
- An Introduction to Vitamins, Minerals and Oxidative Stress; Stefan A. Hulea
- The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book; Shari Lieberman and Nancy Pauling Bruning
- Nutrition Through the Life Cycle; Judith E. Brown and Janet S. Isaac
