Sulfonamides

Question 1

mechanism of action

Answer 1

• BACTERIOSTATIC antibiotics
• prevents the bacterial synthesis of FOLIC ACID (important for the chemical structure of DNA/RNA *considered also ANTIMETABOLITES
• blocks the process of COMPETITIVE INHIBITION

Question 2

indications of use

Answer 2

• UTIs
• respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
• skin & soft tissue infections (MRSA)
• ear infections
• malaria

Question 3

contraindications

Answer 3

• drug allergies
• pregnant women
• sulfites (seen in preservatives)

Question 4

adverse effects

Answer 4

• can cause SULFA ALLERGIC REACTIONS
• can cause PHOTOSENSITIVITY *sunburn
• STEVEN-JOHNSON SYNDROME
• Hemolytic anemia *if patient has G6PD deficiency
• GI, hepatic, renal complications

Question 5

common sulfonamide medications

Answer 5

• BACTRIM
• SEPTRA
• **SMX-TMP; sulfamethoxazole