| Agent Name |
SULFITES |
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| Alternative Name |
CLASS |
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| Major Category |
Other Classes |
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| Synonyms |
Sulfites used as preservatives include sulfur dioxide, potassium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, and potassium bisulfite. [Ellenhorn, p. 1074] See agents in the category, "Sulfites." |
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| Category |
Sulfites |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as preservatives in foods, beverages, and medications; Drugs containing sulfites may include parenteral steroids, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and other intravenous medications; also peritoneal dialysis solutions, local anesthetics, radiocontrast dyes, and other drugs; [Ellenhorn, p. 1074] |
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| Comments |
An estimated 5% of patients with asthma are sulfite sensitive. Following sensitization, type-I immediate hypersensitivity reactions occur after ingestion. Reactions in asthmatics may occur without evidence of type-I, Ig-E mediation. Patients may present with one or more of the following: flushing, fainting, sneezing, urticaria, angioedema, abdominal distress, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. [Ellenhorn, p. 1074] Metabisulfites are preservatives used in wines, salad bars, fruits, juices, and shrimp. Onset of symptoms is within minutes. Common symptoms are flushing, low blood pressure, and bronchospasm. [Goldfrank, p. 703] Sulfites are among the drugs and toxins that cause bronchospasm (Table I-3) and anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (Table I-17). Anaphylaxis is IgE mediated while anaphylactoid reactions are mediated through mast cell release but do not involve prior sensitization mediated by IgE. [Olson, p. 27] Sulfites are not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. [IARC] See "Potassium metabisulfite" for a documented case of occupational asthma. |
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| Restricted |
In 1987, the FDA withdrew approval for the use of sulfites in fresh vegetables. Prescription drugs containing sulfites and packaged foods containing sulfites >10 ppm must be labeled. [Ellenhorn, p. 1074] |
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| Reference Link |
AAAAI - Members Center: Allied Health: Sulfite sensitivity |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Not Classifiable |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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