Investigation of Sulfonamide Crystalluria in Man

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to find out if sulfonamide crystalluria may develop in patients treated with an antibacterial drug. Theoretically, this drug has been considered one of the present-day sulfonamides which might produce crystalluria during administration of the recommended dose. The trial comprised 39 male urological patients who received, twice daily, 800 mg sulfamethoxazole and 160 mg trimethoprim over a period of 7–32 days for treatment of bacteriuria or for prophylaxis. When the urine specimens were examined at room temperature, acetyl-sulfamethoxazole crystals were detected in 39 samples from 7 patients. No sulfamethoxazole crystals were observed when the same specimens were examined at + 37°C. This proves that correct diagnosis of sulfonamide crystalluria can only be made if cooling of the urine is avoided.