Question

Prontosil is a prodrug of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_

• A. Sulfamethoxazole
• B. Sulfanilamide
• C. Nalidixic acid
• D. Sulfadoxine

Hint:

Prontosil, discovered in the 1930s, marked the beginning of the era of sulfonamide antibiotics, revolutionizing bacterial infection treatment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Prontosil is historically significant as one of the first synthetic antibacterial drugs. It is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until metabolized in the body into its active form, sulfanilamide. Sulfanilamide inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with folic acid synthesis, a process essential for bacterial survival. Sulfamethoxazole and Sulfadoxine are other sulfonamides but are not derived from Prontosil, and Nalidixic acid is a quinolone antibiotic, unrelated to this mechanism.
Thus, the correct answer is Sulfanilamide.