Which serious adverse reaction is associated with sulfonamides?

Sulfonamides, a class of antibiotics, can indeed lead to serious adverse reactions, with hepatitis being one of the well-documented concerns. Hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver, can occur in some patients taking sulfonamides, particularly in those who may have pre-existing liver conditions or in older adults. The mechanism behind this reaction involves hypersensitivity or an immune-mediated response that can damage liver cells, leading to elevated liver enzymes and, in severe cases, acute liver failure.

Other serious adverse effects associated with sulfonamides include skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, as well as hematologic reactions such as agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia. However, among the options given, hepatitis is the most directly related serious adverse reaction associated with this class of medications.

While heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension may involve various risk factors and can have overlapping concerns with medication use, they are not classified as specific adverse reactions that can be solely attributed to sulfonamide drugs. Thus, recognizing hepatitis as a potential serious adverse effect emphasizes the importance of monitoring liver function in patients who are prescribed sulfonamide antibiotics.