AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007.
Author of many scientific papers.
Education/Credentials BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert
Awards and Honors The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.
Past/Present Clients See my profile in the pharmacy section.
Question A couple years ago I used a dye on my hair that contained PPDA (para-phenylenediamine)and developed somewhat of an allergic reaction after awhile in the form of itching and inflammation. I was told to be careful using 'sulfa' drugs after that. I googled 'sulfa drugs' and found that they contain "sulfonamides" and that "it is important to make a distinction between sulfa drugs and other sulfur-containing drugs and additives, such as sulfates and sulfites, which are chemically unrelated to the sulfonamide group, and do not cause the same hypersensitivity reactions seen in the sulfonamides. My question is, is the topical gel or lotion commonly used for acne, Sodium Sulfacetamide with Sulfur, in the sulfonamide group and considered a sulfa drug, or is it one of those that isn't? Thanks
Answer Dear Lee
PPDA is not a sulpha compound and as you say is completely unrelated to them. Sulphur is an element and is found in some antiacne preparations but is of doubtful efficacy. Sufacetamide is a sulpha drug and I see know reason why you should be allergic to it although it is possible, but the allergy would be unrelated to that caused by suplhites etc. However, I will point out that it is not much use in acne and I would seek out preparations containing benzoyl peroxide which are availabe OTC. Otherwise get a script for topical preparations containing erythromycin or clindamycin.
