SULPHAMETHOXAZOLE Meaning and
Definition
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Sulphamethoxazole, also spelled as sulfamethoxazole, is an antibiotic drug belonging to the class of sulfonamides. It is widely used in the treatment and prevention of various bacterial infections.
The term "sulphamethoxazole" is derived from its chemical composition. It consists of a sulfonamide group along with a N-(5-methyl-1,2-oxazol-3-yl) acetamide moiety. It works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid, an essential nutrient required for their survival.
Sulphamethoxazole is commonly used in combination with another antibiotic called trimethoprim, forming a drug known as co-trimoxazole or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This combination is often used synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and to prevent the development of bacterial resistance.
The drug is primarily used in the management of urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain gastrointestinal infections caused by susceptible bacteria. However, it is important to note that not all bacterial strains are susceptible to sulphamethoxazole, and antibiotic susceptibility testing is often performed to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen.
Although generally well-tolerated, sulphamethoxazole may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and skin rashes. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and duration strictly to ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy and minimize the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
Common Misspellings for SULPHAMETHOXAZOLE
Etymology of SULPHAMETHOXAZOLE
The word "Sulphamethoxazole" has a compound etymology.
The first part, "sulpha" or "sulfa", originates from the the term "sulfanilamide", which was the first antibacterial sulfa drug. It is derived from the chemical element sulfur.
The second part, "methoxazole", is a combination of two elements: "metho-" and "-xazole". "Metho-" comes from "methyl", which is a chemical group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and commonly found in organic compounds. "-Xazole" is a suffix used to indicate a class of compounds that contain a five-membered ring with two nitrogen atoms.
Combining these two parts, "Sulphamethoxazole" refers to a specific chemical compound with a sulfanilamide-like structure that contains a methyl group in its composition.
Similar spelling words for SULPHAMETHOXAZOLE
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