Sulfamethoxazole

Sulfamethoxazole (pronounced sul-fa-meth-ox-a-zole) is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the class of drugs known as sulfonamides.

Etymology

The term "Sulfamethoxazole" is derived from three parts: "sulfa" referring to its sulfonamide group, "meth" indicating a methyl group, and "oxazole" denoting the presence of an oxazole ring in its chemical structure.

Usage

Sulfamethoxazole is commonly used in combination with trimethoprim, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This combination is known as co-trimoxazole and is used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumocystis pneumonia.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfamethoxazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, which is necessary for the production of essential proteins and DNA. By blocking this process, the drug prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Side Effects

Common side effects of sulfamethoxazole include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and skin rash. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as anemia, hepatitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Sulfamethoxazole
Wikipedia's article - Sulfamethoxazole

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Sulfamethoxazole