Which of the following is a common side effect of sulfonamides?

Sulfonamides, also known as sulfa drugs, are a group of antibiotics that can lead to various side effects due to their mechanism of action and the body's response to the medication. Diarrhea is a recognized common side effect of sulfonamides because these drugs can disrupt the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances. This disruption might produce symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

While nausea, dizziness, and fatigue can also occur as side effects of sulfonamides, diarrhea is particularly noted as a direct consequence of the gastrointestinal impact of these medications. When patients are prescribed sulfonamides, practitioners often monitor for gastrointestinal side effects, emphasizing the importance of hydration and diet to manage any uncomfortable symptoms that arise from their use. Understanding this can help in effectively managing patient care and expectations surrounding the medication.