Aminosalicylic acid

Aminosalicylic acid (also known as PAS or Para-aminosalicylic acid) is an antibiotic primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis. This drug is second-line treatment, used when first-line drugs have failed or caused significant side effects. Aminosalicylic acid was discovered by a Swedish physician, Jorgen Lehmann, in 1946.

History

Jorgen Lehmann discovered aminosalicylic acid in 1946. It was one of the first drugs effective against tuberculosis, alongside streptomycin and isoniazid. The discovery of aminosalicylic acid marked a significant turning point in the fight against tuberculosis, as it provided an effective means of treatment for the first time.

Pharmacology

Aminosalicylic acid works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in mycobacteria, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. This prevents the bacteria from growing and reproducing, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.

Side Effects

Common side effects of aminosalicylic acid include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include liver damage, hypersensitivity reactions, and blood disorders.

Resistance

Resistance to aminosalicylic acid can develop if it is used alone in the treatment of tuberculosis. Therefore, it is typically used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs to prevent the development of resistance.

See Also

• Tuberculosis treatment
• Antibiotic resistance
• Mycobacteria