Sulfonamides are one of the oldest broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that work by competitively inhibiting bacterial metabolic enzymes needed for bacterial function.
Mechanism of Action: This mechanism of action provides bacteriostatic inhibition of growth against a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens.
Indications: Sulfonamides are used to treat urinary tract infections, otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and travelers’ diarrhea.
Nursing Considerations: Allergic reactions to sulfonamide medications are common and, therefore, patients should be monitored carefully for adverse effects, including delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Sulfonamide medications increase the risk of crystalluria that can cause kidney stones or decreased kidney function; therefore, patients should increase their water intake while taking these medications.[1]
Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Common side effects such as GI upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include headache and photosensitivity. Sulfonamides should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash.
Patient Teaching & Education: The patient should receive education to complete the full prescribed dose of medications and take measures to not skip doses. If a dose is missed, the patient should take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is near the next dosing time. The medication can cause increased photosensitivity, and patients should be educated to use sunscreen and protective clothing with sun exposure. The patient should also report any rash, sore throat, fever, or mouth sores that might occur. Unusual bleeding or bruising should also be reported to the provider. If patients are receiving prolonged therapy, they may require platelet count monitoring.[2]
Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in Table 3.9[3]
Table 3.9 Sulfonamides Medication Grid
Class/Subclass |
Prototype/Generic |
Administration Considerations |
Therapeutic Effects |
Side/Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfonamides | trimethoprim – sulfamethoxazole | Check for allergies
Dose adjustment for renal impairment Administer PO with 8 oz. of water Monitor urine output and for cloudiness or crystals Do not administer IM Use cautiously with cardiac antidysrhythmics Use cautiously with oral antidiabetics; may increase hypoglycemic effects. Monitor glucose level carefully Use cautiously with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin; may increase risk of bleeding. Monitor INR and patient for signs of bleeding |
Monitor for systemic signs of infection:
-WBCs -Fever Monitor actual site of infection Monitor culture results, if obtained |
GI symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Headache Photosensitivity, or increased intolerance to sunlight SAFETY: Sulfonamides, including sulfonamide-containing products such as sulfamethoxaole/trimethoprim, should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash of any sign of adverse reaction |
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Critical Thinking Activity 3.9
Using the above grid information, consider the following clinical scenario question:
A nurse is caring for an elderly diabetic patient who has been prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection. What nursing interventions will be implemented prior to medication administration?
Note: Answers to the Critical Thinking activities can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.
- This work is a derivative of Microbiology by OpenStax licensed under CC BY 4.0. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction ↵
- uCentral from Unbound Medicine. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/ucentral ↵
- This work is a derivative of DailyMed by U.S. National Library of Medicine in the Public Domain. ↵
