Sulfa danger?
December 26, 2008 9:15 AM Subscribe
I'm allergic to sulfa drugs (specifically known to be allergic to Septra). My boyfriend's taking Bactrim, a sulfa drug. Could I have an allergic reaction from kissing him or coming into contact with his sweat? Could sleeping next to him be dangerous?
Some antibiotics are secreted into sweat glands or salivary glands. Rifampin (not a sulfa drug) is notable because it is secreted into the lacrimal glands, meaning that you can cry red tears.
As for Bactrim (TMP-SMX, trimethoprim/sulfmethoxazole), it is secreted into saliva, but later after dosing, and only at about 10% of the serum concentration (on the order of micrograms per milliliter of saliva). I think, unless your boyfriend drools copious amounts directly into your mouth during kissing, you're probably safe. I think you're definitely safe with regard to sleeping next to him, unless of course, he's melting into a pool of sweat and drool that you're eagerly lapping up. If that's the case, you may have a problem bigger than sulfa allergies.
See this paper for additional details ("Serum and saliva concentrations of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in adults and children: relation between saliva concentrations and in vitro activity against nasopharyngeal pathogens," Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Disease, 1983 ... available at your local Scandinavian medical library.)
posted by scblackman at 10:09 AM on December 26, 2008 [3 favorites]
As for Bactrim (TMP-SMX, trimethoprim/sulfmethoxazole), it is secreted into saliva, but later after dosing, and only at about 10% of the serum concentration (on the order of micrograms per milliliter of saliva). I think, unless your boyfriend drools copious amounts directly into your mouth during kissing, you're probably safe. I think you're definitely safe with regard to sleeping next to him, unless of course, he's melting into a pool of sweat and drool that you're eagerly lapping up. If that's the case, you may have a problem bigger than sulfa allergies.
See this paper for additional details ("Serum and saliva concentrations of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in adults and children: relation between saliva concentrations and in vitro activity against nasopharyngeal pathogens," Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Disease, 1983 ... available at your local Scandinavian medical library.)
posted by scblackman at 10:09 AM on December 26, 2008 [3 favorites]
It's really impossible to answer without knowing more details, but I've heard anecdotal evidence about "partner sweat"-induced anaphylaxia even. If you are really sensitive I wouldn't risk it. But, IANAD and YMMV, I'd probably sleep holding hands anyway. Good luck.
posted by keijo at 11:30 AM on December 26, 2008
posted by keijo at 11:30 AM on December 26, 2008
perhaps this is obvious, but do NOT have sex without a condom. friend of mine would get horrible, horrible rashes when her husband was taking an antibiotic and they would forget.
posted by micawber at 6:11 PM on December 26, 2008
posted by micawber at 6:11 PM on December 26, 2008
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Also, this can be cleared up pretty easily by just asking your or his doctor.
posted by gudrun at 9:45 AM on December 26, 2008