sulfa allergy
Several medicines are sulfa based and can cause problems for people allergic to sulfa drugs. The main culprits are the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used for glaucoma. Examples of these glaucoma drops include dorzolamide, Trusopt, Azopt, and Cosopt. Also, the water pill Diamox (acetazolamide) is sometimes used for treating advanced glaucoma, but is sulfa-based as well. Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic eye drop (also called Bleph-10) that can also cause sulfa problems, but I rarely prescribe this, given the plethora of good antibiotic alternatives.
What eye drops are okay to use for advanced glaucoma, when person has sulfa allergies? Some are not working at all.
Most eye drops are fine with glaucoma. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (like dorzolamide) may have a cross-reactivity with sulfa allergy … but not always. If dealing with advanced glaucoma, all drops should at least be considered to avoid vision loss. Discuss with your doctor.