Tag: Sulfa drug

Sulfisoxazole belongs to the sulfonamide class of antibiotics, which were among the first antimicrobial agents widely available and notably contributed to a significant decline in infectious disease deaths in the mid-1930s. Today, what is sulfisoxazole tablets used for is treating a variety of bacterial infections, as it is ineffective against viruses.

In 1937, the deaths of more than 100 people from a toxic liquid preparation known as “Elixir Sulfanilamide” led to the passage of the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in the United States. While this tragedy forever marked its history, the crystalline sulfanilamide powder from which the compound was derived was a life-saving wonder drug that ushered in the antibiotic era.

As the first class of effective antimicrobial drugs, sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) marked a new era in medicine [1.3.3]. The answer to **what is the most common sulfa drug** used today is the combination antibiotic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, often known by brand names like Bactrim or Septra [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Despite a common misconception, the presence of 'sulfate' in albuterol does not make it a sulfa drug and it is safe for most individuals with a sulfonamide allergy. This critical distinction hinges on the specific chemical structure that triggers allergic reactions.

The long-acting antimicrobial known as Dimethox, which is chemically known as sulfadimethoxine, is frequently prescribed by veterinarians for a wide range of bacterial and protozoal infections in animals. This well-established sulfa drug is particularly notable for its effectiveness against coccidiosis in various species, including dogs, cattle, and poultry.