sulfonamide

sulfonamide One of the sulfa-related group of antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infection and some fungal infections. The sulfonamide family includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (brand names: Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (brand name: Gantanol), sulfasalazine (brand name: Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (brand name: Gantrisin), and various high-strength combinations of sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs kill bacteria and fungi by interfering with cell metabolism. Because sulfa drugs concentrate in the urine before being excreted, treatment of urinary tract infections is one of their most common uses. Sulfa drugs can have a number of potentially dangerous interactions with prescription and over-the-counter drugs (including PABA sunscreens), and they are not appropriate for patients with some health conditions. Sulfa drug allergy is one of the more common allergies to medications. Also known as sulfa drug.