Drug Cards: Sulfonamides

Study Notes

Sulfonamides Overview

Class of drugs used primarily to treat infections and inflammatory conditions.
Effective against specific susceptible microorganisms.

Sulfadiazine (Microsulfon)

Treats urinary tract infections, chancroid, acute otitis media, and certain types of meningitis.
Contraindicated in patients with sulfonamide sensitivity, during lactation, and in children under 2.
Therapeutic blood serum level: 8-12 mg%.
Common side effects: hematologic changes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and crystalluria.
Dosage: Loading 2-4g orally; maintenance 2-4g/day in divided doses.
Caution with renal or hepatic impairment, and bronchial asthma; administer 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs)

Primarily used for ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Contraindications include intestinal obstruction, porphyria, and hypersensitivity.
Therapeutic blood serum level: 1-4 g/day in divided doses.
Side effects similar to sulfadiazine; can cause orange-yellow urine and skin.
Dosage: 2 g/day orally in evenly spaced doses.
Take with food or after meals with a full glass of water; warn about potential discoloration.

Sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin, Gantrisin Pediatric, Truxazole)

Used for the same indications as sulfadiazine.
Contraindications: liver problems, kidney disease, and certain anemias.
Therapeutic blood serum level: 50-150 μg/ml.
Side effects consistent with other sulfonamides.
Dosage: 4-8 g/day orally in divided doses.
Advise to take with full glass of water; tablets may be crushed or chewed.

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS)

Indicated for urinary tract infections, acute otitis media, and traveler's diarrhea.
Contraindications: late-term pregnancy, nursing mothers, and folate deficiency anemia.
Therapeutic blood serum level: 160 mg TMP/800 mg SMZ administered every 12 hours.
Side effects: gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, hematologic changes, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Dosage: 8-10 mg/kg/day IV in divided doses.
Not recommended for group A beta-hemolytic strep and certain high-risk patients; caution with sun exposure to prevent reactions.

Mafenide (Sulfamylon)

Used for managing second- and third-degree burns.
Important for reducing infection and promoting healing in damaged skin.
Requires monitoring for side effects and appropriate application methods.

Description

This quiz focuses on drug cards for sulfonamide medications, particularly sulfadiazine. You'll learn about its therapeutic uses, contraindications, and relevant details. Test your understanding of this important class of antibiotics used in various infections.