Sulfonamide: meaning, definitions and examples
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sulfonamide
[ sʌl'fɒnəmaɪd ]
pharmaceutical compound
Sulfonamides are a group of synthetic antibiotics that contain the sulfonamide group. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, making them effective in treating a variety of infections. Sulfonamides were among the first antibiotics to be discovered and have historically been used to treat bacterial infections.
Synonyms
antibacterial agent, sulfa drug.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a sulfonamide for the patient's infection.
- Sulfonamides were once widely used in the treatment of pneumonia.
- Due to the rise of antibiotic resistance, sulfonamides are less commonly used now.
- The discovery of sulfonamides marked a significant advancement in medical treatment.
Etymology
The term 'sulfonamide' comes from the combination of 'sulfon-' which is derived from sulfonic acid, and '-amide' which indicates a derivative of amine. The first sulfonamide, sulfanilamide, was synthesized in the early 20th century and became commercially available in the 1930s. It was discovered that these compounds could effectively inhibit bacterial growth, leading to the development of a new class of antibiotics. The importance of sulfonamides in medicine became prominent during World War II, as they were used to treat soldiers' infections. Despite their initial widespread use, the advent of penicillin and other antibiotics eventually overshadowed sulfonamides, although they remain relevant in specific cases of treatment today.