Sulphanilamide meaning

Sulphanilamide is a medication that belongs to the class of antibiotics known as sulfonamides, used to treat bacterial infections.


Sulphanilamide definitions

Word backwards edimalinahplus
Part of speech Sulphanilamide is a noun.
Syllabic division sul-phan-il-a-mide
Plural The plural of the word "sulphanilamide" is sulphanilamides.
Total letters 14
Vogais (4) u,a,i,e
Consonants (7) s,l,p,h,n,m,d

Sulphanilamide, also known as sulfanilamide, is a synthetic antimicrobial agent that belongs to the class of sulfonamides. This compound was the first true antibiotic discovered and revolutionized the field of medicine by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections.

History of Sulphanilamide

Sulphanilamide was first synthesized in 1908 by German chemist Paul Gelmo. However, its antimicrobial properties were not discovered until 1932 by German pathologist Gerhard Domagk. Domagk found that sulphanilamide was effective in treating streptococcal infections in mice, leading to the development of the first commercially available sulpha drug, Prontosil.

Mechanism of Action

Sulphanilamide works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid within the bacterial cells. Folic acid is essential for the production of DNA and RNA in bacteria, so blocking its synthesis effectively stops bacterial growth and reproduction.

Medical Uses

Sulphanilamide is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it a versatile antibiotic for various types of infections.

Side Effects

While sulphanilamide is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. In rare cases, sulphanilamide can cause severe adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Future of Sulphanilamide

Despite being one of the first antibiotics discovered, sulphanilamide continues to play a vital role in modern medicine. Researchers are exploring new formulations and combinations of sulphanilamide to combat antibiotic resistance and improve its efficacy against a broader range of bacterial infections.


Sulphanilamide Examples

  1. The doctor prescribed sulphanilamide to treat the bacterial infection.
  2. Sulphanilamide is commonly used in the production of antibiotics.
  3. The pharmacist recommended sulphanilamide cream for the skin rash.
  4. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of sulphanilamide in combating drug-resistant bacteria.
  5. Sulphanilamide has been used as a treatment for urinary tract infections.
  6. The patient experienced an allergic reaction to sulphanilamide medication.
  7. Veterinarians often prescribe sulphanilamide for pets with bacterial infections.
  8. Sulphanilamide was one of the first synthetic antibiotics developed.
  9. The government issued a warning about counterfeit sulphanilamide products in the market.
  10. Doctors advise patients to finish the full course of sulphanilamide to prevent antibiotic resistance.


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  • Updated 24/06/2024 - 00:49:53