Sulfa allergies, sulfite allergies, and local anesthetics in dentistry

Jan. 2, 2024

Sulfa, sulfite, and sulfur may sound alike, but the similarity ends there. Here’s what to consider when you have dental patients with allergic reactions to sulfa drugs and sulfites and who can’t have articaine as a local anesthetic.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

Sulfa, sulfite, sulfur ... oh, my! These three things sound alike, but when it comes to the question of patient allergies and articaine, they are not alike at all.

In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, find out the difference and learn when a patient truly can’t have articaine.

Thumbnail background image credit ArtistGNDphotography / E+ / Getty Images Plus

More Medical History Mysteries videos …

The Dental Economics Network brings you the best content from Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory. Subscribe to get new videos each week.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe

Pharmacology

What to know about common drugs and dental treatment

Vicki Cheeseman

April 5, 2024

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.