Prontosil

Definition

Prontosil is a synthetic antimicrobial agent that was the first commercially available antibiotic. It belongs to the sulfonamide class and marked the beginning of modern antimicrobial chemotherapy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prontosil was discovered by Gerhard Domagk in 1932, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1939.
2. It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria but not against Gram-negative bacteria.
3. Prontosil itself is a prodrug; it gets metabolized in the body to produce sulfanilamide, which is the active form.
4. The discovery of Prontosil led to the development of other sulfonamides and paved the way for antibiotics like penicillin.
5. It was initially used to treat streptococcal infections and significantly reduced mortality rates from bacterial infections.

Review Questions

• Who discovered Prontosil and in what year?
• What type of bacteria is Prontosil effective against?
• How does Prontosil function as a prodrug?

Related terms

Sulfanilamide: The active form of prontosil, produced after metabolic conversion.

Penicillin: The first naturally occurring antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming.

Chemotherapy: The use of chemical substances to treat diseases, particularly infections and cancer.