Drug Classifications: Sulfonamides Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a common name for sulfonamides?

sulfa drugs (correct)

analgesics

antibiotics

pain relievers

Sulfonamides are ___ agents.

antibacterial

Are sulfa drugs bacteriostatic?

True

What is the action of sulfonamides on bacteria?

They inhibit the activity of folic acid in bacterial cell metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

Are sulfa drugs well absorbed by the GI system?

True Signup and view all the answers

How are sulfa drugs excreted from the body?

By the kidneys. Signup and view all the answers

Are sulfonamides used to treat infections caused by gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria?

True Signup and view all the answers

What are some bacteria that sulfonamides are effective against?

Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species. Signup and view all the answers

Sulfa drugs are used to treat...

UTIs, acute otitis media, ulcerative colitis, and second and third degree burns. Signup and view all the answers

Which two sulfonamides should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal?

sulfisoxazole and sulfadiazine. Signup and view all the answers

Which two sulfonamides are topical drugs used in the treatment and prevention of infections in second and third degree burns?

mafenide (Sulfamylon) and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse reactions to sulfa drugs?

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomatitis, chills, fever, crystalluria, photosensitivity, urticaria, pruritis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Signup and view all the answers

What is the most frequent adverse reaction seen with the topical application of a sulfonamide?

A burning sensation or pain when applied to the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Prolonged sulfonamide therapy can cause what three hematologic changes?

Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia. Signup and view all the answers

Sulfa drugs are contraindicated in children younger than ___ years old.

2 Signup and view all the answers

Sulfa drugs are used with caution in patients with...

renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or bronchial asthma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of interaction between sulfonamides and oral anticoagulants (blood thinner)?

Increased action of the anticoagulant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of interaction between sulfonamides and methotrexate (an immunosuppressant)?

Increased bone marrow suppression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of interaction between sulfonamides and hydantoins (an anticonvulsant)?

Increased serum hydantoin level. Signup and view all the answers

Why are diabetic patients that take sulfonamides assessed for a hypoglycemic reaction?

Because sulfonamides may inhibit the hepatic metabolism of the patient's oral hypoglycemic drugs. Signup and view all the answers

Sulfonamides are contraindicated in patients with...

Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides and during lactation. Signup and view all the answers

Which sulfa drug may cause the urine and skin to take on an orange-yellow color?

sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Signup and view all the answers

How is crystalluria with sulfonamide therapy usually prevented?

By increasing fluid intake during therapy. Signup and view all the answers

The patient should be instructed to drink ___ large glasses of water a day until sulfonamide therapy is finished.

8 Signup and view all the answers

How should the patient be instructed to take an oral sulfonamide?

With a full (8 oz) glass of water. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the skin and mucous membranes be inspected for up to 14 days after the end of sulfonamide therapy?

Photosensitivity reactions can still occur. Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient using soft contact lenses see an ophthalmologist about disposable lenses while taking sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)?

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) may cause the lenses to acquire a permanent yellow stain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the trade name of sulfasalazine?

Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the trade name of trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole?

Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS. Signup and view all the answers

What is the trade name of mafenide?

Sulfamylon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the trade name of silver sulfadiazine?

Silvadene, Thermazene, SSD. Signup and view all the answers

Which sulfonamide is abbreviated TMP?

trimethoprim. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sulfonamides Overview

Commonly known as sulfa drugs, sulfonamides are a class of antibacterial agents.
Primarily exhibit bacteriostatic activity, inhibiting bacterial growth rather than killing bacteria directly.

Mechanism of Action

Sulfonamides inhibit the activity of folic acid in bacterial cell metabolism, crucial for their growth and reproduction.

Pharmacokinetics

Well absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) system and excreted by the kidneys.

Spectrum of Activity

Effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Specific bacteria targeted include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species.

Clinical Uses

Commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), acute otitis media, ulcerative colitis, and manage second and third-degree burns.

Administration Guidelines

Some sulfonamides, such as sulfisoxazole and sulfadiazine, should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals.
Topical agents like mafenide (Sulfamylon) and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) are specifically used for burn treatment.

Adverse Reactions

Reactions may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and severe conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
Topically applied sulfonamides can cause burning sensations on the skin.

Hematologic Risks

Prolonged use can lead to leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia.

Special Precautions

Contraindicated in children younger than 2 years and used with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or bronchial asthma.
Patients with hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or nursing mothers should avoid these medications.

Drug Interactions

Sulfonamides can enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants, increase bone marrow suppression with methotrexate, and raise serum hydantoin levels when combined with hydantoins.
Diabetic patients on sulfonamides require monitoring for hypoglycemic reactions due to potential inhibition of oral hypoglycemic metabolism.

Side Effects and Management

Urine and skin may turn orange-yellow with sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
Prevention of crystalluria involves increasing fluid intake, with an advised consumption of eight large glasses of water daily during therapy.

Patient Education

Sulfonamides should be taken with a full glass of water to maximize absorption.
Post-therapy monitoring for photosensitivity reactions is necessary for up to 14 days.
Patients using soft contact lenses should consult an ophthalmologist regarding potential staining from sulfasalazine.

Trade Names

Sulfasalazine: Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS.
Mafenide: Sulfamylon.
Silver sulfadiazine: Silvadene, Thermazene, SSD.
Trimethoprim: TMP.

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Description

Test your knowledge of sulfonamides with these flashcards. This quiz covers definitions and functions of sulfa drugs, including their classification and mechanism of action. Perfect for students studying pharmacology or medicine.