Sulfalene: Difference between revisions

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'''Sulfalene''' is a long-acting [[sulfonamide]] often used in combination with [[pyrimethamine]] to treat or prevent [[malaria]]. It is also known by the brand name ''Fansidar''.
== Sulfalene ==
 
[[File:Sulfalene2DCSD.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Sulfalene]]
 
'''Sulfalene''' is a [[sulfonamide]] [[antibiotic]] that is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of drugs known as [[sulfa drugs]], which are synthetic antimicrobial agents that contain the sulfonamide group. Sulfalene is known for its long-acting properties and is often used in combination with other antibiotics to enhance its effectiveness.


== Mechanism of Action ==
== Mechanism of Action ==


Sulfalene, like other sulfonamides, inhibits the enzyme [[dihydropteroate synthase]], which is involved in the synthesis of [[folic acid]] in [[plasmodium]] species. This inhibition results in a decrease in the production of [[nucleic acids]] and proteins necessary for the growth and survival of the parasite.
Sulfalene works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme [[dihydropteroate synthase]], which is crucial for the synthesis of [[folic acid]] in bacteria. Folic acid is necessary for the production of [[nucleic acids]] and ultimately for bacterial growth and replication. By blocking this enzyme, sulfalene effectively halts the growth of bacteria, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.


== Indications ==
== Clinical Uses ==


Sulfalene is indicated for the treatment and prevention of malaria, particularly in areas where the parasite has developed resistance to other antimalarial drugs. It is often used in combination with pyrimethamine, a [[dihydrofolate reductase]] inhibitor, to enhance its antimalarial effect.
Sulfalene is primarily used to treat infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It is often prescribed for:
 
* [[Urinary tract infections]]
* [[Respiratory tract infections]]
* [[Gastrointestinal infections]]
 
Due to its long half-life, sulfalene is particularly useful in situations where prolonged antibiotic coverage is desired.


== Side Effects ==
== Side Effects ==


The most common side effects of sulfalene include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[rash]]. In rare cases, it can cause serious skin reactions, [[hemolytic anemia]], and [[Stevens-Johnson syndrome]].
As with other sulfonamides, sulfalene can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:
 
* [[Nausea]]
* [[Vomiting]]
* [[Rash]]


== Contraindications ==
More serious side effects, although rare, can include:


Sulfalene is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or pyrimethamine. It should also be avoided in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, and in those with a history of blood disorders.
* [[Stevens-Johnson syndrome]]
* [[Agranulocytosis]]
* [[Hepatotoxicity]]


== Drug Interactions ==
Patients with a known allergy to sulfonamides should avoid using sulfalene.


Sulfalene may interact with other drugs, including [[warfarin]], [[phenytoin]], and [[methotrexate]], potentially increasing their effects and the risk of side effects.
== Pharmacokinetics ==


== References ==
Sulfalene is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is widely distributed throughout the body. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine. The drug has a long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing in most cases.


* World Health Organization. Guidelines for the treatment of malaria. 3rd edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2015.
== Related Pages ==
* British National Formulary. BNF 76. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2018.


[[Category:Antimalarial agents]]
* [[Sulfonamide (medicine)]]
[[Category:Sulfonamides]]
* [[Antibiotic]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
* [[Bacterial infection]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Sulfonamide antibiotics]]

Latest revision as of 04:03, 13 February 2025

Sulfalene[edit]

Chemical structure of Sulfalene

Sulfalene is a sulfonamide antibiotic that is used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfa drugs, which are synthetic antimicrobial agents that contain the sulfonamide group. Sulfalene is known for its long-acting properties and is often used in combination with other antibiotics to enhance its effectiveness.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Sulfalene works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is crucial for the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. Folic acid is necessary for the production of nucleic acids and ultimately for bacterial growth and replication. By blocking this enzyme, sulfalene effectively halts the growth of bacteria, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Sulfalene is primarily used to treat infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It is often prescribed for:

Due to its long half-life, sulfalene is particularly useful in situations where prolonged antibiotic coverage is desired.

Side Effects[edit]

As with other sulfonamides, sulfalene can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

More serious side effects, although rare, can include:

Patients with a known allergy to sulfonamides should avoid using sulfalene.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

Sulfalene is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is widely distributed throughout the body. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine. The drug has a long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing in most cases.

Related Pages[edit]