What type of drug are sulfonamides classified as?

Sulfonamides are classified as antibiotics because they inhibit the growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to synthesize folate, a vitamin necessary for the production of nucleic acids. This class of drugs was one of the first effective antibiotics used against bacterial infections, particularly before the widespread use of penicillin.

The classification of sulfonamides as antibiotics is based on their mechanism of action and their specific targeting of bacterial processes, distinguishing them from other classes. For example, antiparasitics are used to treat infections caused by parasites, analgesics provide pain relief, and antivirals are intended to combat viral infections. None of these classifications apply to sulfonamides, which are specifically designed to act against bacteria, thus confirming their classification as antibiotics.