Sodium aminosalicylate

Sodium aminosalicylate (also known as PAS sodium) is a sodium salt of aminosalicylic acid. It is an antibiotic primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Sodium aminosalicylate is often used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs to prevent the development of drug resistance.

History

Sodium aminosalicylate was first synthesized in the 1940s and was one of the first drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It was initially used as a monotherapy, but due to the development of drug resistance, it is now used in combination with other drugs.

Mechanism of action

Sodium aminosalicylate works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in mycobacteria, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Folic acid is essential for the growth and reproduction of mycobacteria, so by inhibiting its synthesis, sodium aminosalicylate prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Side effects

Like all drugs, sodium aminosalicylate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as hepatitis and hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug interactions

Sodium aminosalicylate can interact with other drugs, including other anti-tuberculosis drugs. It can also interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding, and with methotrexate, increasing the risk of methotrexate toxicity.

See also

• Tuberculosis treatment
• Antibiotic resistance
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis