
Precautions
What drugs are classified as sulfa drugs?
- Gantrisin (sulfisoxazole)
- Bactrim or Septra (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole)
- Sulfadiazine.
- Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
- Zonegran (zonisamide)
Which medication is classified as a sulfonamide?
Sulfonamide antibiotics may be prescribed for infections including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Bronchitis
- Bacterial meningitis
- Eye infections
- Severe burns
What type of drugs are sulfonamides?
Yes, misuse of prescription stimulants can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), which takes the form of addiction in severe cases. Long-term use of stimulants, even as prescribed by a doctor, can cause a person to develop a tolerance, which means that he or she needs higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects.
Are stimulant drugs the most dangerous drug class?
The following are some medications that have a higher possibility of interaction with sulfa drugs:
- Birth Control Pills
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Hyperactive thyroid medicines
- Anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin)
What are the most common sulfa drugs?

Which medication is classified as a sulfonamide?
Examples of sulfonamides includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (brand name: Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and various high-strength combinations of three sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs kill bacteria and fungi by interfering with cell metabolism.
What is the classification of antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be divided into two classes based on their mechanism of action. Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria; bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit their growth or reproduction. One way that bactericidal antibodies kill bacteria is by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
What type of inhibitors are sulfonamides?
Sulfonamides have a bacteriostatic effect by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis. Important representatives of this group are sulfadiazine, sulfadoxine, sulfalene, sulfamerazine, sulfamethizole and sulfamethoxazole.
Are sulfonamides an antibiotic?
By definition sulfonamides are antimicrobials rather than antibiotics, i.e. an antibiotic is a substance produced by bacteria or fungi which have antimicrobial activity, whereas sulfonamides are synthetic.
What are the 3 classifications of antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be categorized by their spectrum of activity—namely, whether they are narrow-, broad-, or extended-spectrum agents. Narrow-spectrum agents (e.g., penicillin G) affect primarily gram-positive bacteria.
What are the three classes of antibiotics?
The main types of antibiotics include: Penicillins - for example, phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin and amoxicillin. Cephalosporins - for example, cefaclor, cefadroxil and cefalexin. Tetracyclines - for example, tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.
Is sulfonamide an enzyme inhibitor?
Function. In bacteria, antibacterial sulfonamides act as competitive inhibitors of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), an enzyme involved in folate synthesis. Sulfonamides are therefore bacteriostatic and inhibit growth and multiplication of bacteria, but do not kill them.
Are sulfa drugs competitive inhibitors?
Sulfa drugs like Sulfamethoxazole inhibit the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of this pathway. Sulfa drugs are competitive inhibitors of this enzyme, meaning that they compete with the real substrate of the enzyme, which is para-aminobenzoic acid and is called PABA for short.
Is sulfonamide bacteriostatic or bactericidal?
Sulfonamides are synthetic, broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics. They were the first effective systemic antimicrobial agents. Their mode of action is based on the inhibition of DNA synthesis. Due to their toxicity and high adquired resistance their use is currently very low.
Which is an aminoglycoside?
Abstract. The aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for children, primarily for infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens. The aminoglycosides include gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin, neomycin, and streptomycin.
Which antibiotics are sulfa drugs?
Sulfonamide antibioticsGeneric nameBrand name examplessulfacetamide topicalKlaron, OvacesulfadiazineGeneric onlysulfamethoxazole/trimethoprimBactrim, Septa, SMZ-TMPsulfisoxazoleGantrisin Pediatric, TruxazoleJun 21, 2018
Is Penicillin a sulfonamide?
Official answer. Amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs called penicillins. It is a penicillin type antibiotic and it does not have sulfa in it.
What are the 8 classes of antibiotics?
The following list includes eight of the most common classes of antibiotics, what they are generally used for and some of the potential side effects.Penicillins. ... Cephalosporins. ... Sulfonamides. ... Fluoroquinolones. ... Macrolides. ... Tetracyclines. ... Aminoglycosides. ... Carbapenems.
What is the classification of penicillin?
Penicillin is a medication used to manage and treat a wide range of infections. It is in the beta-lactam antibiotic class of drugs. This activity describes penicillin's indications, action, and contraindications as a valuable agent in treating infection.
What are the 10 most common antibiotics?
Top 10 List of Generic Antibioticsamoxicillin.doxycycline.cephalexin.ciprofloxacin.clindamycin.metronidazole.azithromycin.sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.More items...•
What Are Sulfonamides Used for?
Sulfonamides represent a diverse range of medicines with a diverse range of actions. Examples of some conditions that may be treated with sulfonami...
What Are The Differences Between Sulfonamides?
Sulfonamide antibiotics have an N4 amine group in their structure which is thought to contribute to their higher incidence of allergic-type reactio...
What Are The Side Effects of Sulfonamides?
Common side effects reported with sulfonamides include: 1. Gastrointestinal effects (such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting) 2. Candidia...
What is the classification of sulfonamide?
Sulfonamides Classification. There are generally thought to be two major classifications of sulfonamide medications based upon their chemical structure. Most commonly they're bacteriostatic antibiotic medications, which work by inhibiting bacteria from multiplying, but they don't kill the existing bacteria.
What is the difference between thiazide and loop diuretics?
Similarly, loop diuretics are used to treat hypertension due to heart failure. They also cause diuresis but by a different mechanism than thiazide diuretics.
Why are sulfonamides used in diabetes?
Lastly, sulfonylureas are used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels. Because of the variety of illnesses that sulfonamides are used to treat, it is important for patients to talk with their doctors so they know the exact medications they are taking and what their purposes are.
What is CAI used for?
CAI medications are used to treat glaucoma, a disease in the eye. Diuretics are often used to treat hypertension. COX-2 inhibitors are a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications used to treat pain and inflammation. Lastly, sulfonylureas are used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels.
What is a sulfonamide?
Confused by what a sulfonamide is, Cody asks his doctor for more clarification. Sulfonamides are a synthetic substance created from the sulfonamide chemical group. They are used as a medication to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.
What is the purpose of CA inhibitors?
CA inhibitors are primarily used to treat glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve in the eye) by reducing fluid pressure in the eye. Zonisamide, another sulfonamide, is also considered a CA inhibitor but is used to treat seizures. The exact mechanism of action of zonisamide is not fully understood.
Can COX-2 cause diuresis?
They also cause diuresis but by a different mechanism than thiazide diuretics. COX-2 inhibitors are a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and are used to treat pain and inflammation by altering the COX-2 enzymes in the body that are responsible for pain and inflammation symptoms.
What are some examples of sulfonamides?
Sulfonamides are a class of drugs from a sulfur-containing chemical (sulfanilamide). Examples of sulfonamides include sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Co-trimoxazole, Septra, Septra DS, Cotrim, SMZ-TMP, SMZ-TMP DS, Sulfatrim); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Sulfazine); and sulfisoxazole (Truxazole, Gantrisin). Some of these drugs are available only in generic forms. Side effects of sulfonamides may include dizziness, lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, serious skin rashes and anorexia. Sulfonamides are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects and drug interactions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
What is sulfonamide used for?
Most sulfonamides are antibiotics, but some are prescribed for treating ulcerative colitis. Sulfonamide antibiotics work by disrupting the production of dihydrofolic acid, a form of folic acid that bacteria and human cells use for producing proteins.
How to report a drug problem to the FDA?
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. References. FDA Prescribing Information.
Does sulfonamide cause bleeding?
Sulfonamides can increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin ( Coumadin ), possibly leading to abnormal bleeding. The increased metabolism (break-down and elimination) of cyclosporine by the liver caused by sulfonamides (reduces the effectiveness of cyclosporine and can add to the kidney damage caused by cyclosporine.
Can sulfonamide be stopped?
Sulfonamides should be stopped at the first appearance of a skin rash before the rash becomes severe. Serious rashes include: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which includes symptoms like: aching joints, aching muscles, redness, blistering, and. peeling of the skin. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, which includes symptoms like:
Can sulfonamide cause sunburn?
peeling, redness, loosening, and. blistering of the skin. Sulfonamides also may cause sensitivity to the sun that leads to extensive sunburn after exposure to sunlight ( photosensitivity ). Patients receiving sulfonamides should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and should wear sunscreen. Other rare side effects include liver damage, low white ...
Can sulfonamides be used in urine?
All sulfonamides can crystallize in the urine when the urine is acidic. Since methenamine ( Hiprex, Urex, Mandelamine) causes acidic urine, it should not be used with sulfonamides. Blood levels of digoxin may increase blood levels of digoxin ( Lanoxin) and possibly lead to serious toxic effects.
How Do Sulfonamides Work?
Sulfonamides or sulfa drugs are a class of antibiotics that target bacteria causing infections. These classes of drugs are generally broad-spectrum antibiotics that act on a wide range of bacterial types and are therefore employed in treating many kinds of bacterial infections.
How Are Sulfonamides Used?
Sulfonamides are mainly used to treat bacterial infections and some fungal infections. As they tend to concentrate more in the urine, they are most effective against urinary tract infections.
What are the side effects of sulfonamide?
Allergic urticaria on the skin induced by an antibiotic. Sulfonamides have the potential to cause a variety of untoward reactions, including urinary tract disorders, haemopoietic disorders, porphyria and hypersensitivity reactions.
How are sulfonamides prepared?
Preparation. Sulfonamides are prepared by the reaction of a sulfonyl chloride with ammonia or an amine. Certain sulfonamides (sulfadiazine or sulfamethoxazole) are sometimes mixed with the drug trimethoprim, which acts against dihydrofolate reductase.
What is the structural similarity between sulfonilamide and pABA?
Structural similarity between sulfonilamide (left) and PABA (center) is the basis for the inhibitory activity of sulfa drugs on tetrahydrofolate (right) biosynthesis. Sulfonamides are used to treat allergies and cough, as well as antifungal and antimalarial functions.
When did sulfa drugs become available?
This led to the passage of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938 in the United States. As the first and only effective broad-spectrum antibiotic available in the years before penicillin, sulfa drugs continued to thrive through the early years of World War II.
Do sulfonamides cause hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity reactions are less common in nonantibiotic sulfonamides, and, though controversial, the available evidence suggests those with hypersensitivity to sulfonamide antibiotics do not have an increased risk of hypersensitivity reaction to the nonantibiotic agents.
Is sulfonamide a penicillin?
Allergies to sulfonamides are common. The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions to sulfa antibiotics is approximately 3%, close to penicillin; hence medications containing sulfonamides are prescribed carefully. Sulfonamide drugs were the first broadly effective antibacterials to be used systemically, and paved the way for ...
When did sulfa become a problem?
This and nonexistent testing requirements led to the elixir sulfanilamide disaster in the fall of 1937, during which at least 100 people were poisoned with diethylene glycol.
What are Sulfonamides?
What are sulfonamides? Sulfonamides are synthetic medications derived from a sulfur-based chemical. Sulfonamides assist in treating high blood pressure, a urinary tract infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other conditions.
Types of Sulfonamides
Sulfonamide examples include antibiotic and non-antibiotic sulfa drugs. They share the same sulfa base in their chemical structure, but target different disease processes. The different sulfa drug classes and examples are discussed more below.
Sulfonamides: Word Scramble Activity
In this activity, you'll check your knowledge regarding the definition, classification, and examples of sulfonamides.

Overview
This medication is used to treat bacterial eye infections (such as conjunctivitis).
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Bacterial conjunctivitis · Chlamydial conjunctivitis · Dandruff · Seborrheic dermatitis · Trachoma
Alternate Brand Names: Bleph-10
Drug Class: Dermatological - Antiseborrheic · Ophthalmic Antibiotic - Sulfonamides
Availability: Prescription Required
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Bacterial conjunctivitis · Chlamydial conjunctivitis · Dandruff · Seborrheic dermatitis · Trachoma
Alternate Brand Names: Bleph-10
Drug Class: Dermatological - Antiseborrheic · Ophthalmic Antibiotic - Sulfonamides
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Side effects
Function
History
Preparation
See also
Sulfonamides have the potential to cause a variety of adverse effects, including urinary tract disorders, haemopoietic disorders, porphyria and hypersensitivity reactions. When used in large doses, they may cause a strong allergic reaction. The most serious of these are classified as severe cutaneous adverse reactions (i.e. SCARs) and include the Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necr…
External links
In bacteria, antibacterial sulfonamides act as competitive inhibitors of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), an enzyme involved in folate synthesis. Sulfonamides are therefore bacteriostatic and inhibit growth and multiplication of bacteria, but do not kill them. Humans, in contrast to bacteria, acquire folate (vitamin B9) through the diet.