Sulfabenzamide

Sulfabenzamide is a sulfonamide antibiotic that is used in combination with other antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. It is part of a class of drugs known as antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria.

History

Sulfabenzamide was first synthesized in the 1930s as part of a series of compounds known as sulfonamides. These were some of the first effective systemic antibacterial agents.

Medical uses

Sulfabenzamide is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics, such as sulfacetamide and sulfathiazole, in a topical cream. This combination is used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo and secondary skin infections.

Mechanism of action

Sulfabenzamide, like other sulfonamides, works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is necessary for the synthesis of folic acid. Bacteria need folic acid to survive and reproduce, so by inhibiting this enzyme, sulfabenzamide effectively kills bacteria.

Side effects

Common side effects of sulfabenzamide include skin irritation, redness, and swelling. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions.

See also

• Sulfonamide
• Antibiotics
• Bacterial infections

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