DHPS inhibitor
Dihydropteroate synthase inhibitor
- Folate synthesis fails
- Bacteriostatic
- Synergistic with DHFR blockade downstream
- Humans absorb folate rather than making it — the selectivity principle
- Rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Drugs with this mechanism (3)
- Dapsone — Sulfone antibiotic for leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis; check G6PD before use.
- Silver sulfadiazine — Topical burn antimicrobial releasing silver ions.
- Sulfamethoxazole — Sulfonamide antibiotic, paired with trimethoprim as co-trimoxazole.
Self-check
- Why is blocking microbial folate synthesis selective over humans?
Humans absorb folate rather than synthesize it. - Which downstream blockade is synergistic with DHPS inhibition?
DHFR blockade.
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