Sulfametrole

Sulfametrole is a sulfonamide antibacterial agent. It is often used in combination with trimethoprim, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, to achieve a synergistic effect against a broad spectrum of bacteria. This combination is known as co-trimoxazole.

History

Sulfametrole was first synthesized in the 1930s as part of a series of compounds known as sulfonamides, which were the first effective systemic antibacterial agents. The discovery of sulfonamides marked the beginning of the antibiotic era.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfametrole, like other sulfonamides, inhibits the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of folic acid. This prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins and thus inhibits their growth. When combined with trimethoprim, which inhibits a later step in the same pathway, the effect is synergistic, meaning the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects.

Clinical Use

Sulfametrole is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal infections. It is also used in the treatment of malaria, in combination with other drugs.

Side Effects

Like all medications, sulfametrole can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, rash, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Resistance

Resistance to sulfametrole and other sulfonamides has become a significant problem. This is largely due to the widespread use of these drugs, which has led to the selection of resistant strains of bacteria. Resistance is usually due to mutations in the target enzyme, dihydropteroate synthase.

See Also

• Sulfonamides
• Antibacterial
• Co-trimoxazole
• Trimethoprim
• Dihydropteroate synthase
• Folic acid
• Antibiotic resistance