Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides (pronounced sul-fo-nuh-mides) are a group of synthetic antibiotics that contain the sulfonamide group. They are also known as sulfa drugs.

Etymology

The term "sulfonamide" is derived from the chemical structure of these compounds, which includes a sulfonamide group. This group consists of a sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom.

History

Sulfonamides were the first effective systemic antibiotics to be discovered and used. German chemist Gerhard Domagk was awarded the 1939 Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery of the first sulfonamide, Prontosil.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfonamides inhibit the growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to synthesize folic acid, a vitamin that is essential for their growth and reproduction. They do this by acting as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the production of folic acid.

Uses

Sulfonamides are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and prostatitis. They are also used in the treatment of malaria in combination with other drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of sulfonamides include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, they can cause serious skin reactions, anemia, and kidney damage.

Related Terms

• Antibiotic
• Bacteria
• Folic Acid
• Dihydropteroate Synthase
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Bronchitis
• Prostatitis
• Malaria
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Kidney Damage

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sulfonamides
• Wikipedia's article - Sulfonamides

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