Sulfamerazine sodium

Sulfamerazine Sodium is a type of sulfonamide antibiotic that is primarily used in veterinary medicine. It is a sodium salt form of sulfamerazine, which is a synthetic compound with broad spectrum antibacterial activity.

Chemistry

Sulfamerazine Sodium is a white or almost white, crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. The chemical name for sulfamerazine sodium is 4-Amino-N-(4-methyl-2-pyrimidinyl)benzenesulfonamide sodium.

Pharmacology

Sulfamerazine Sodium works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by preventing the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial growth and reproduction. It is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, which is involved in the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria.

Uses

Sulfamerazine Sodium is primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections in animals. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus. It is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections in animals.

Side Effects

As with all medications, sulfamerazine sodium can cause side effects. The most common side effects in animals include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as anemia, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.

Precautions

Sulfamerazine Sodium should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to sulfonamides. It should also not be used in animals with liver or kidney disease, or in pregnant or lactating animals, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

See Also

• Sulfonamides
• Antibiotics
• Veterinary Medicine

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