Sulfanamides

Question 1

mechanism of action

Answer 1

broad range of gram + and gram - coverage
: Inhibits bacterial synthesis of folic acid/folate (bacteriostatic).
Sometimes referred to as folic acid inhibitors.
In human growth & development, folic acid needed for rapid growth in childhood & during pregnancy
Bacteria also need folic acid for cell division & growth

Question 2

primary use

Answer 2

UTI, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, shigella infections of small bowel

Question 3

adverse effects

Answer 3

: formulation of crystals in urine, hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, vomiting, & photosensitivity
Most serious: agranulocytosis (reduced leukocytes), acute hemolytic anemia, & aplastic anemia (loss of bone marrow function)

Question 4

medications

Answer 4

trimethoprim (TMP)–sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) (Bactrim, Septra): treats UTI (PO, IV)
sulfasalazine (Azulfidine): anti-inflammatory properties used to treat IBS
sulfadiazine (Silvadene): topical cream prevent infections with serious burns
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (Fansidar): malarial prophylaxis
Contraindicated in pregnancy & lactation:
Cross placenta & excreted in breast milk
May cause kernicterus