What are examples of sulfonamides (sulfonamide)?

From the Guidelines

Sulfonamides are a class of antimicrobials that include examples such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole. These medications are commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. The use of sulfonamide antibiotics is an important consideration in certain medical contexts, such as the administration of topical anesthetics like EMLA, where recent use of these antibiotics is a contraindication due to the risk of methemoglobinemia 1.

Key Points

• Sulfonamide antibiotics, like sulfamethoxazole, are examples of sulfonamides.
• These medications are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Recent use of sulfonamide antibiotics is a contraindication for certain medical procedures, such as the use of EMLA, due to the risk of methemoglobinemia.
• Other sulfur-containing compounds in medicine include thiazide diuretics and certain antidiabetic medications like glipizide, which are used to treat different conditions and are not classified as sulfonamides.

In the context of managing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, sulfonylureas, which are distinct from sulfonamides, are oral medications that stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, and examples include glipizide, gliburide, and glimepiride 1. However, when discussing sulfonamides specifically, the focus remains on their antimicrobial properties and uses.

Clinical Considerations

• Sulfonamide antibiotics should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications.
• The risk of adverse effects, such as methemoglobinemia, should be considered when administering sulfonamide antibiotics in conjunction with other medications.
• Patients should be closely monitored for signs of infection or other complications when taking sulfonamide antibiotics.

From the FDA Drug Label

Sulfamethoxazole USP is N1 - (5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl) sulfanilamide; Sulfamethoxazole is N1-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl) sulfanilamide; Examples of sulfonamides include:

• Sulfamethoxazole 2 3 2

From the Research

Sulfonamides Examples

• Sulfonamides are a class of antimicrobials that have been used to treat various infections, including urinary tract infections 4, 5, 6.
• Examples of sulfonamides include sulfamethoxazole, which is often used in combination with trimethoprim to treat urinary tract infections 4, 7, 8, 6.
• Other sulfonamides, such as sulphadimidine, have also been used to treat urinary tract infections, although they may not be as effective as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim combinations 8.
• Sulfonamides have also been used as anticancer agents, antiglaucoma agents, inhibitors of gamma-secretase, cyclooxgenase-2 and lipoxygenase, anticonvulsivant agents, and hypoglycemic agents 5.

Mechanism of Action

• Sulfonamides work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and when used in combination with trimethoprim, they exhibit marked synergy 8.
• The combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause urinary tract infections 4, 8.

Resistance to Sulfonamides

• Resistance to sulfonamides and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has increased over time, limiting their use to only a few indications 6.
• The use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii infection has rapidly increased the multidrug resistance of bacterial pathogens found in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients 6.