Thienyl-, furyl- and pyrrolyl sulfonamides and derivatives thereof that modulate the activity of endothelin

Thienyl-, furyl- and pyrrolyl-sulfonamides and methods for modulating or altering the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, N-(isoxazolyl)thienylsulfonamides, N-(isoxazolyl)furylsulfonamides and N-(isoxazolyl)pyrrolylsulfonamides and methods using these sulfonamides for inhibiting the binding of an endothelin peptide to an endothelin receptor by contacting the receptor with the sulfonamide are provided. Methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these sulfonamides or prodrugs thereof that inhibit or increase the activity of endothelin are also provided.