Sulfathiazole

An article about the antibiotic sulfathiazole

Sulfathiazole

Tautomerism of sulfathiazole

Sulfathiazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic that was widely used in the mid-20th century to treat bacterial infections. It is a member of the sulfa drug class, which were among the first antibiotics to be discovered and used clinically.

Chemical Structure

Sulfathiazole is characterized by its thiazole ring, which is a five-membered ring containing both sulfur and nitrogen atoms. The chemical formula of sulfathiazole is C₉H₉N₃O₂S₂. The molecule can exist in different tautomeric forms, as shown in the image on the right.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfathiazole works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of folic acid. Bacteria require folic acid for the synthesis of nucleic acids, and by inhibiting its production, sulfathiazole effectively halts bacterial growth. This mechanism is similar to other sulfonamides.

Clinical Use

Sulfathiazole was used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. However, due to the development of bacterial resistance and the availability of more effective antibiotics with fewer side effects, its use has declined.

Side Effects

Common side effects of sulfathiazole include allergic reactions, such as rash and fever. More severe reactions can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Due to these potential side effects, sulfathiazole is no longer commonly used.

History

Sulfathiazole was first introduced in the 1930s and was one of the first widely used antibiotics. It played a significant role during World War II in treating infections in soldiers. However, with the advent of penicillin and other antibiotics, its use diminished.

Related pages

• Sulfonamide (medicine)
• Antibiotic
• Bacterial resistance