Which statement about sulfonamides is NOT true?

Sulfonamides are often classified as antimicrobials but they are not considered true antibiotics in the strictest sense. True antibiotics are typically derived from natural sources (such as fungi or bacteria) and are used to combat bacterial infections directly. Sulfonamides, on the other hand, are synthetic compounds that inhibit bacterial growth by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial reproduction.

The underlying mechanism of action in sulfonamides, therefore, does not fit the traditional definition of antibiotics, which primarily kill bacteria or inhibit their growth through direct action. This distinction is crucial when categorizing antimicrobial agents, as it underscores the variation in their origins and mechanisms. Thus, the statement indicating that sulfonamides are true antibiotics is incorrect, highlighting the critical understanding of drug classifications in pharmacology.