Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

Sulfonamides are a group of antibiotics that are primarily effective against certain bacterial infections. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of folate in bacteria, which is essential for their growth and reproduction.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and bronchitis can all be treated with sulfonamides due to the types of bacteria that commonly cause these conditions and their sensitivity to this class of drugs. For example, UTIs often involve bacteria like Escherichia coli, which can be susceptible to sulfonamides. Similarly, some ear infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae may respond to treatment with these antibiotics.

However, when it comes to stomach ulcers, these are typically not treated with sulfonamides. Instead, the management of stomach ulcers usually focuses on medications that reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, and sometimes antibiotics targeting Helicobacter pylori if it is a contributing factor to the ulcer. Since sulfonamides do not address the underlying mechanisms of stomach ulcers or the types of bacteria involved, they are not a standard treatment for this condition.