Aminosalicylic acid
Aminosalicylic Acid
Aminosalicylic acid (pronunciation: /ˌæmɪnoʊsælɪˈsɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/), also known as Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), is an antibiotic primarily used to treat tuberculosis. This compound is a critical second-line treatment for tuberculosis, particularly for drug-resistant strains.
Etymology
The term "aminosalicylic acid" is derived from its chemical structure. The prefix "amino-" refers to the presence of an amino group (-NH2), while "salicylic acid" is a type of phenolic acid that is a key component of the compound's structure.
Usage
Aminosalicylic acid is used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. It is particularly effective against drug-resistant strains of the disease. The drug works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in the bacteria, which is essential for their growth and reproduction.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic: A type of drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
- Tuberculosis: A potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs.
- Amino group: A functional group that consists of a nitrogen atom attached by single bonds to hydrogen atoms.
- Phenolic acid: A type of phytochemical found in a variety of plants, characterized by the presence of a phenol ring.
- Folic acid: A type of B vitamin that is key to the formation of red blood cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aminosalicylic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Aminosalicylic acid
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