A 5-year-old is prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for the treatment of otitis media. Which severe adverse reaction is most common in drugs containing sulfa?

Explanation

•Stevens-Johnson sydrome is a rare hypersensitivity reaction often caused by antibiotics, most frequently sulfa-containing drugs such as sulfamethoxazole, a sulfonamide.

•Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a life-threatening condition in which cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis.

•Hives is not a severe adverse drug reaction.

•Renal and heart failure are not commonly associated with the administration of sulfa drugs.