Definition of Drug, sulfa

Drug, sulfa

Sulfa drugs belong to a group of antibiotics effective against bacterial and certain fungal infections. The first sulfa drug discovered was prontosil, identified by German physician and chemist Gerhard Domagk in 1935. This class of drugs includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (marketed as Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (known as Gantanol), sulfasalazine (sold as Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and some potent combinations of three sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs work by disrupting the metabolic processes of bacteria and fungi. Before the advent of more modern antibiotics, they were considered "wonder drugs" and continue to be used today. Because they concentrate in the urine before being expelled from the body, sulfa drugs are frequently prescribed for treating urinary tract infections. However, they can interact with various prescription and over-the-counter medications, including PABA-containing sunscreens, and may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Medical Definition & Meaning

Get your AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS Provider Certification today

Get your AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS Provider Certification today

CPR Certification Labs has multiple classes available every day

Choose a course

What the AHA CPR Certification Course Includes

Comprehensive CPR Training for Adults, Children, and Infants

Our technology delivers immediate, actionable feedback that refines your skills in real time.

Proper Use of AED Devices for All Age Groups

Understand how to safely and effectively operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for adults, children, and infants.

Airway Obstruction Relief and Heimlich Maneuver

Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and clear airway obstructions caused by choking in both adults and infants.

Team-Based Multi-Rescuer CPR Techniques

Gain experience working as part of a team when more than one rescuer is available during an emergency.

Official American Heart Association CPR E-Card

Receive your AHA CPR Certification E-Card on the same day you complete the class and pass the exam.

Get your AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS Provider Certification today

Local news