Sulfonamide (medicine)
Sulfonamide (medicine)
Sulfonamide (pronounced sul-fo-nuh-mide) is a type of drug used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of drugs known as antibiotics, specifically, the antibacterial class.
Etymology
The term "sulfonamide" is derived from its chemical structure, which includes a sulfonamide group (a sulfur atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms and single-bonded to an amide group).
Medical Uses
Sulfonamides are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and certain types of pneumonia. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thereby preventing the spread of the infection.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic resistance: A phenomenon in which bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, including sulfonamides.
- Bacteriostatic: A term describing substances like sulfonamides that inhibit the growth or multiplication of bacteria.
- Sulfa drug: A common term for sulfonamides, derived from their sulfur-based chemical structure.
- Trimethoprim: A drug often combined with sulfonamides to increase their effectiveness.
Side Effects
Like all medications, sulfonamides can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects like anemia, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sulfonamide (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Sulfonamide (medicine)
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