Sulfonamides (sulphonamides) are a group of man-made (synthetic) medicines that contain the sulfonamide chemical group. They may also be called sulfa drugs.
Many people use the term sulfonamide imprecisely to refer only to antibiotics that have a sulfonamide functional group in their chemical structure. However, there are several non-antibiotic sulfonamides that have been developed by exploiting observations made during the clinical evaluation of the antibiotic sulfonamides. These are used for a range of conditions such as diabetes and pain relief.
Sulfanilamide was the first sulfonamide developed in 1906, although it was not used as an antimicrobial agent until the late 1930s. Sulfonamide antimicrobials are bacteriostatic (stop bacteria from reproducing but don't necessarily kill them) and work by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, which is essential for nucleic acid formation and ultimately DNA and RNA. Humans obtain folic acid from their diet, but bacteria need to synthesize it. Sulfonamide antimicrobials may be combined with trimethoprim to make them bactericidal (kill bacteria), because trimethoprim acts on a different enzyme in the folic acid synthesis pathway.
Non-antibiotic sulfonamides are thought to have anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties although the exact way they work in some conditions is not known.
Sulfonamides represent a diverse range of medicines with a diverse range of actions. Examples of some conditions that may be treated with sulfonamides include:
Sulfonamide antibiotics have an N4 amine group in their structure which is thought to contribute to their higher incidence of allergic-type reactions. Non-antibiotic sulfonamides lack this structure.
Oral sulfonamides are rapidly excreted and very soluble in urine and are commonly used to treat infections of the urinary tract.
| Generic name | Brand name examples |
|---|---|
| sulfacetamide topical | Klaron, Ovace |
| sulfadiazine | Generic only |
| sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim | Bactrim, SMZ-TMP |
| sulfisoxazole | Discontinued |
Many classes of drugs contain a sulfonamide structure including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors; sulfonylureas; and thiazide, thiazide-like and loop diuretics.
| Generic name | Brand name examples |
|---|---|
| acetazolamide | Diamox |
| bumetanide | Bumex |
| celecoxib | Celebrex |
| chlorothiazide | Diuril |
| chlorthalidone | Thalitone |
| dapsone | Generic |
| dorzolamide opthalmic | Trusopt |
| furosemide | Lasix |
| glibenclamide | Not available in the U.S. |
| gliclazide | Not available in the U.S. |
| glipizide | Glucotrol |
| glyburide | Generic |
| hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) | Aquazide H, Microzide |
| indapamide | Generic |
| probenecid | Generic |
| sulfasalazine* | Azulfidine |
| sumatriptan | Imitrex |
| tolbutamide | Discontinued |
*Sulfasalazine also has an antibacterial effect.
Sulfonamide-containing drugs are frequently implicated in allergic reactions and nonallergic reactions.
The term “sulfa allergy” (or “sulfur allergy”) most commonly refers to an immunological response to sulfonamides, and it is a term that is often misused and misinterpreted. It should not be confused with a sulphite allergy (sulphites are substances used to preserve foods); nor with an allergy to the element sulphur or sulphates (allergic reactions to these naturally occurring substances are extremely rare). Non-antibiotic sulfonamides are thought to be less likely than antibiotic sulfonamides to cause severe allergic reactions.
Sulfonamide allergic reactions affect 1.5-3% of the population but are 10 times more likely in people with HIV. Management depends on the type and severity of the reaction. Mild reactions can be treated with drug discontinuation and antihistamine administration. More severe reactions may require topical or oral steroids and possibly hospital admission.
Sulfonamide allergies can manifest in several different ways, for example as:
Sulfonamides may also rarely cause changes in the blood such as anemia (destruction of red blood cells), leukopenia (destruction of white blood cells), and other hematological side effects.
Renal side effects have been reported with sulfonamide use; more commonly crystals in the urine (risk is higher in people who are dehydrated) and, rarely, interstitial nephritis and tubular necrosis.
Note: Sulphites or drugs with a sulfhydryl or sulfate group in their structure (eg, captopril, morphine sulfate, heparin sulfate) do not need to be avoided by people with a sulfonamide allergy.
For a complete list of severe side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs.
Common side effects reported with sulfonamides include:
For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs.
Data Source:drugs.com
SILVER is a metallic element with a shiny, white luster. It is known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity, making it a valuable material in various industries. SILVER is also highly malleable and ductile, allowing it to be easily shaped into different forms. It is commonly used in jewelry, coins, electrical contacts, and mirrors. Additionally, SILVER has antimicrobial properties, making it useful in medical applications.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
NA
Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal that is a member of the alkali metal group. Sodium is an essential element for human health and is found in many foods. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Sodium is also widely used in industry, particularly in the production of chemicals, glass, and metals.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Sodium sulfacetamide is a medication that is commonly used to treat various skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. It works by reducing the growth of bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation. This medication is typically applied topically in the form of a cream or lotion. It is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional when using sodium sulfacetamide to ensure its effectiveness and minimize any potential side effects.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Solid State Drive (SSD) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional hard disk drives (HDD). SSDs have no moving parts, which makes them more resistant to physical damage and allows for faster data access and transfer speeds. They are commonly used in laptops, desktop computers, and servers to improve overall system performance and reduce boot times.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
SULF-PRED is a medication that combines the active ingredients sulfacetamide and prednisolone. Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic that helps to treat bacterial infections, while prednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. This combination medication is commonly used to treat eye infections and inflammation, such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. It works by killing bacteria and reducing swelling and redness in the eyes. SULF-PRED is typically available as an ophthalmic suspension or ointment and should be used as directed by a healthcare professional.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Sulfacetamide-sulfur is a medication that combines the antibiotic sulfacetamide with the antifungal agent sulfur. It is commonly used to treat various skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. This combination works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation on the skin. Sulfacetamide-sulfur is available in various forms, including creams, lotions, and cleansers, and is typically applied topically to the affected area. It is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional when using this medication to ensure its effectiveness and minimize any potential side effects.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
