Is gentamicin sulfate the same as a sulpha drug

[teddybearlluver]

My daughter is taking gentamicin sulfate for an eye infection and now she has a migrating rash. I know I'm allergic to sulpha drugs and I get a rash when I take them. The rash she has is red patches with white bumps within the red areas. Is this something I need to worry about? She doesn't have a fever and the best I can do right now is leave a message for her doctor. If I take her to the ER it will be at least a 4 hour wait.

[sprayart88]

No. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and is not chemically related to sulfa drugs. Don't let the Sulfate suffix frighten you. The manufacturers make the gentamicin as a sulfate salt to increase its solubility.

Sulfa drugs are formally known as sulfonamides, with one widely used product being sulfamethoxazole. Sulfonamides are not as popular as they once were, as better antibiotics are available with fewer side effects.

Using the gentamcin topically in the eye means a very small amount is absorbed into your system. If your daughter was allergic, her eyes would be inflamed.

Without seeing the rash, it is difficult to name the cause. If your daughter does not improve overnight, or if the condition worsens, an ER trip may be in order/

Good luck in caring for your daughter.