Sulfa drugs

Sulfa Drugs

Sulfa drugs, also known as sulfonamides (pronounced sʌlˈfɒnəmaɪdz), are a group of antibiotics that contain the sulfonamide group. They were the first effective systemic antibacterial agents to be discovered and used.

Etymology

The term "sulfa" is derived from the word "sulfonamide", which is a compound that contains the sulfonamide group. The term "sulfonamide" itself is derived from the words "sulfur", "amine", and "amide", which refer to the chemical components of these drugs.

History

Sulfa drugs were first developed in the 1930s by German chemists who were searching for dyes that could kill bacteria. The first sulfa drug, Prontosil, was discovered by Gerhard Domagk in 1932. It was later found that the active component of Prontosil was sulfanilamide, a simple molecule that contained the sulfonamide group.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfa drugs work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by preventing them from synthesizing folic acid, which is essential for their growth and reproduction. They do this by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) for the active site of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of folic acid.

Uses

Sulfa drugs are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and prostatitis. They are also used in the treatment of malaria in combination with other drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of sulfa drugs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Related Terms

• Antibiotics
• Sulfonamide group
• Prontosil
• Gerhard Domagk
• Folic acid
• Para-aminobenzoic acid
• Dihydropteroate synthase
• Urinary tract infections
• Bronchitis
• Prostatitis
• Malaria
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

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