Sulfaguanidine

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Sulfaguanidine is a sulfonamide antibacterial agent. It is used in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract.

History[edit | edit source]

Sulfaguanidine was first synthesized in the 1930s as part of a series of compounds known as sulfonamides, which were the first effective systemic antibacterial agents.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Sulfaguanidine, like other sulfonamides, works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of folic acid. This prevents the bacteria from producing necessary proteins and thus inhibits their growth.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

Sulfaguanidine is primarily used to treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly effective against Shigella species, which cause shigellosis, and Salmonella species, which cause salmonellosis.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of sulfaguanidine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD