Sulfadoxine

Definition

Sulfadoxine is a long-acting sulfonamide antimicrobial used in combination with other drugs to treat and prevent malaria. It inhibits the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, thereby interfering with folic acid synthesis in parasites.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sulfadoxine is commonly used in combination with pyrimethamine for malaria treatment (often abbreviated as SP).
2. It specifically targets Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for severe malaria.
3. The drug acts by inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase, an enzyme critical for folate synthesis.
4. Resistance to sulfadoxine has been a growing concern due to its widespread use.
5. Adverse effects can include hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Review Questions

• What enzyme does sulfadoxine inhibit?
• Which parasite is primarily targeted by sulfadoxine?
• Why is sulfadoxine often combined with pyrimethamine?

Related terms

Pyrimethamine: An antimalarial drug that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, often used in combination with sulfadoxine.

Dihydropteroate Synthase: An enzyme involved in folic acid synthesis targeted by sulfonamides like sulfadoxine.

Plasmodium Falciparum: The parasite responsible for the most severe form of malaria, targeted by drugs like sulfadoxine.