Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFAMETHOPRIM versus TRIPLE SULFAS.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: SULFAMETHOPRIM versus TRIPLE SULFAS.
SULFAMETHOPRIM vs TRIPLE SULFAS
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Sulfamethoprim is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folic acid synthesis; trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, also blocking folic acid synthesis. This sequential blockade produces bactericidal effects.
Competitive inhibition of dihydropteroate synthase, thereby blocking folate synthesis and bacterial DNA replication. Triple sulfas (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine) act synergistically to inhibit folic acid synthesis.
Oral or intravenous: 800 mg sulfamethoxazole / 160 mg trimethoprim every 12 hours.
1 to 2 tablets (each containing sulfadiazine 167 mg, sulfamerazine 167 mg, sulfamethazine 167 mg) orally every 4 hours initially, then 2 tablets every 6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 grams of total sulfonamide.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 8-12 hours in adults with normal renal function. Prolonged in renal impairment (up to 24-48 hours).
Terminal elimination half-life ranges from 10-12 hours in adults with normal renal function. Prolonged in renal impairment (up to 24-48 hours) and neonates (40-120 hours).
Renal: 60-80% as unchanged drug via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; biliary: 5-10%; fecal: <5%.
Primarily renal; approximately 70-100% excreted unchanged in urine via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Minor biliary/fecal elimination (<5%) with enterohepatic circulation possible.
Category C
Category C
Sulfonamide Antibiotic
Sulfonamide Antibiotic