EXCRETION OF SULFANILAMIDE

Abstract

The drug para-amino benzene sulfonamide, or sulfanilamide, and its related compounds is in wide use at the present time in the treatment of certain infections. Its usage rests largely on an empiric basis, and much remains to be learned about the bacteriologic and pharmacologic aspects of the drug. The present study is concerned with factors governing the excretion of sulfanilamide when administered in treatment. In a group of patients without cardiovascular, hepatic or renal disability, and without infection, a measured amount of sulfanilamide was given daily at six hour intervals for from three to six days. With each dose of sulfanilamide three fourths as much sodium bicarbonate was given. Complete collections of urine were made in each case and an aliquot sample of the daily total was used for determinations. The intake of fluid was carefully measured, and the patients drank as desired. The regular hospital house diet was taken