Dictionary

sulfa drug See 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…

sulfonylurea A class of oral hypoglycemic agents (medications that lower the level of blood glucose) taken by people with type 2 diabetes. The sulfonylureas increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. There are two generations of sulfonylureas. The main difference between the first- and secondgeneration sulfonylureas is in the way they are eliminated from…

summer cold See hay fever.

sun protection factor A measurement of a sunscreen’s potency, expressed on a scale from two upward. Abbreviated SPF. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher provide the best protection from the sun’s harmful rays. See also ultraviolet radiation.

sunscreen A substance that blocks the effect of the sun’s harmful rays. Using lotions that contain sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. See also ultraviolet radiation.

superaspirin See cox-2 inhibitor.

superficial spreading melanoma See melanoma, superficial spreading.

superior vena cava syndrome A condition in which the large vein that carries blood down to the heart (superior vena cava) is compressed. This compression may be caused by disease of any of the structures or lymph nodes surrounding this vein. Superior vena cava syndrome is characterized by swelling of the face, neck, and/or arms,…

supernumerary Beyond the normal number, extra. For example, a supernumerary chromosome is an extra one beyond the usual number of 46, and a supernumerary digit is an extra finger or toe.

supernumerary placenta See placenta, accessory.

supertaster A person who has an unusually large density of taste buds, each surrounded by pain fibers. As a result, the person has an exquisite ability to taste accurately.