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.
