Sulfa Shaker

Sulfa Shaker

Standard Early, Late, Small, and Large Crystalline Sulfanilamide First Aid Packets

These large and small packets of sulfa drugs, specifically crystalline sulfanilamide, were meant to be applied directly to open wounds. Individual soldiers had the small packets issued to them in their first aid kits, and were trained in how to use them on the field. These drugs, along with other forms of sulfa drugs given to military personnel, were used to fight infection. However, in 1944 they were proven to be less effective than originally thought, and the rising prevalence of penicillin as an infection preventative pushed sulfa drugs like these "sulfa shaker" packets out of business. However, all nurses were trained to use these packets as well as other sulfa drugs and penicillin injections.

United States Army, The Upjohn Company, Hynson Wescott & Dunning Inc.

World War 2 United States Medical Research Centre Website: "Class 9 Items: Drugs, Chemicals, and Biological Stains Sulfa Drugs," https://www.med-dept.com/medical-kits-contents/class-9-items-drugs-chemicals-and-biological-stains-sulfa-drugs/

World War 2 United States Medical Research Centre

Accessed April 24, 2020

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Photos of physical sulfa drug packets

English

Physical Objects

Sulfa Drug Packets from World War II

World War II First Aid, World War II Medical Equipment, Sulfa Drugs