What is "sulfapyridine"

alt. (context American spelling medicine English) A particular antibacterial sulfonamide n. (context American spelling medicine English) A particular antibacterial sulfonamide

n. sulfa drug derived from pyridine and sulfanilamide

Sulfapyridine, original UK spelling sulphapyridine, is a sulfonamide antibacterial. At one time it was commonly referred to as M&B.

Sulfapyridine is no longer prescribed for treatment of infections in humans. However, it may be used to treat linear IgA disease. It is a good antibacterial drug, but its water solubility is very pH dependent. Thus there is a risk of crystallization within the bladder or urethra, which could lead to pain or blockage. As with other sulfonamides, there is a significant risk of agranulocytosis, and this, rather than the development of resistance by bacteria, is the main reason for its decline in use.

It was discovered by Lionel Whitby at the British firm May & Baker Ltd and logged in their Test Book on 2 November, 1937 under Code No M&B 693. It was successfully used to treat Winston Churchill's bacterial pneumonia in 1942. In a subsequent radio broadcast he said: "This admirable M&B from which I did not suffer any inconvenience, was used at the earliest moment and, after a week's fever, the intruders were repulsed." In 1944 M&B 693 also saved Nero, the Royal Circus lion, from pneumonia. [Glasgow Evening News January 1944.]

The drug sulfasalazine is structurally one molecule of mesalamine linked to one molecule of sulfapyridine with an azo bond.

M&B 693 was one of the first generation of sulphonamide antibiotics. It has been reported as the first chemical cure for pneumonia. It could either be taken in tablet form or the powder could be placed in wounds. It was used so widely during the Second World War that May & Baker had difficulty keeping up with demand. It was later largely superseded by penicillin and other sulfonamides.