What Are Sulfonamides? Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, and More

Sulfonamides, or sulfa drugs, are a group of medicines used to treat bacterial infections.

The first sulfonamide, Prontosil, was tested in the 1930s.

Uses

Sulfa drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS).

DHPS helps produce folic acid, which bacteria need for proliferate.

If the enzyme is inhibited, then bacteria cant grow or multiply.

The drugs won’t work for viral infections, such as acold or the flu, perMayo Clinic.

Sulfonamides may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Your doctor will want to carefully monitor your body’s response to this medicine with frequent observation.

Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor’s office and laboratory.

Sulfonamides shouldn’t be given to infants under 2 months old unless directed by the babys doctor.

Animal studies have shown that sulfonamides may cause birth defects.

Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, or might become pregnant, before taking any of these drugs.

These medicines can also pass into breast milk.

Don’t breastfeed while taking sulfonamides.

Sulfonamides can trigger an allergic reaction.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sulfonamides or any other medications.

This list includes amoxicillin, chloroquine, erythromycin, ibuprofen, methotrexate, and salicylic acid.

Grant Chu, MD, is an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine atUCLA.

Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.

She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.

Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.

She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.

Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, and More

Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, and More

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