sulfanilamide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a vitamin B complex component, and sulfanilamide are structurally related organic sulfur compounds with antibacterial properties. The folic acid synthesis necessary for yeast and bacterial growth depends on PABA. The incorporation of sulfanilamide into dihydrofolic acid, the precursor of folic acid, stops PABA from being incorporated and folic acid from being synthesized. 

Spectrum: 

A topical vaginal antibiotic cream called sulfanilamide is used to treat vulvovaginal inflammation (vulvovaginitis), which can be brought on by susceptible bacterial infections as well as yeast infections (Candida albicans). Sulfanilamide inhibits the development of Candida fungus (fungistatic) and bacteria (bacteriostatic) by interfering with mechanisms necessary for microbial growth. The United States does not yet have access to sulfanilamide vaginal cream.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Local sensitivity reactions such as burning, discomfort, redness, skin rash, swelling, itching

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Don’t use for longer than instructed. There could be a second infection

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Discontinue if skin rash occurs 
• Aplastic anemia 
• Other blood dyscrasias 
• Agranulocytosis 
• Fulminant hepatic necrosis 
• Stevens jhonson syndrome 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy (Third trimester) 
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: C 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

It has bacteriostatic action by blocking para-aminobenzoic acid; it obstructs the growth and synthesis of folic acid in microorganisms. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Sulfanilamide inhibits the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthase in a competitive manner. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is often used by this enzyme to synthesize the required folic acid. In these species, the blocked process is typically required for the synthesis of folic acid. Bacteria cannot reproduce without it. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

N/A

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Follow your doctor’s instructions when using sulfanilamide. Peruse all of the provided information. Pay strict attention to all directions. 

Avoid using sulfanilamide orally, only for vaginal use. Avoid getting in your nose, eyes, or mouth, as this could burn. 

Even if your symptoms improve, follow the instructions provided. 

Prior to using, wash your hands. 

After using, wash your hands and the applicator. 

You might be advised by your doctor to douche prior to taking sulfanilamide. When using sulfanilamide, avoid dousing yourself without first consulting your physician.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sulfanilamide 

Pronounced: suhl-fuh-nil-uh-mide 

Why do we use sulfanilamide? 

Sulfanilamide is an antibiotic that belongs to the sulfonamide class of drugs. It is used for its antimicrobial properties and is primarily employed in the treatment of bacterial infections. Sulfanilamide functions by preventing bacterial growth and reproduction, particularly by interfering with folic acid synthesis, which is necessary for the creation of bacterial DNA and proteins. This disruption in bacterial metabolism helps to control and eliminate the infection.