Misuse of Sulfonamide Compounds

Abstract

The fears expressed by some careful observers in the early period of the use of sulfonamide compounds in regard to toxic effects have been substantiated. Because of the increasing number of persons who have been sensitized to these drugs, reactions due to them have become a common occurrence; many of them have been serious, and some have been fatal. Some persons have been sensitized by ingestion of these drugs properly administered for a serious illness. Most of the sensitized persons, however, have been given or have taken the drug injudiciously. This means that they have taken it (1) for a trivial disease or (2) for a chronic infection like sinusitis which is known to be benefited only slightly or temporarily. Last, and of particular interest to dermatologists, the drugs have been used (3) externally in the form of ointments, powders or lotions against pyogenic and other dermatologic diseases for