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Is Lethargy And Extreme Sleepiness Normal When On Sulfa For Skin Infection?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Jul 2015
Question: my 7 year old granddaughter has an infected bug bite since Saturday morning. She saw a doctor on monday and was prescribed sulfa. She has been very
lethargic and sleeps way more than usual. Should she see the doctor again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I won't get worried if there is no fever and she is passing urine well

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The most common organism causing skin infection is staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Sulfa drug has a very good sensitivity for both the organisms.
Patient allergic to sulfa can develop skin reactions in the form of rashes,bleeding and ulcers.
Sulfa drug can cause nausea,vomiting,abdominal discomfort,dizziness and disturbed sleep.Excessive sleepiness has not been seen as a side effect of sulfa drug.
Even skin infection is a form of localised infection and it should not cause excessive sleepiness or headache.
Although I wont get overly worries if there is no fever and she is passing urine normally.As you have noticed headache and poor oral intake I would like to get her evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out other possibilities and to be on safer side.
Meantime you can give paracetamol for headache.
Do ask if you have any more query
Wish her speedy recovery.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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Is Lethargy And Extreme Sleepiness Normal When On Sulfa For Skin Infection?

Brief Answer: I won't get worried if there is no fever and she is passing urine well Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query The most common organism causing skin infection is staphylococcus or streptococcus. Sulfa drug has a very good sensitivity for both the organisms. Patient allergic to sulfa can develop skin reactions in the form of rashes,bleeding and ulcers. Sulfa drug can cause nausea,vomiting,abdominal discomfort,dizziness and disturbed sleep.Excessive sleepiness has not been seen as a side effect of sulfa drug. Even skin infection is a form of localised infection and it should not cause excessive sleepiness or headache. Although I wont get overly worries if there is no fever and she is passing urine normally.As you have noticed headache and poor oral intake I would like to get her evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out other possibilities and to be on safer side. Meantime you can give paracetamol for headache. Do ask if you have any more query Wish her speedy recovery. Regards