Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic: Uses, Side Effects, and Warnings
What is sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic. How does it treat bacterial eye infections. What are the potential side effects and precautions. When should you seek medical attention while using this medication.
Understanding Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic
Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. This medication is available in various forms, including eye drops and ointments, and is sold under several brand names such as Bleph-10, Cetamide, and Isopto Cetamide.
It’s important to note that sulfacetamide ophthalmic is specifically designed to combat bacterial infections and will not be effective against viral or fungal eye infections. The medication works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria in the eye, allowing the body’s natural defenses to eliminate the infection.
How does sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic work?
Sulfacetamide sodium interferes with the production of folic acid in bacteria, which is essential for their growth and reproduction. By disrupting this process, the antibiotic effectively stops the bacterial infection from progressing, giving the immune system a chance to clear the remaining pathogens.
Indications and Uses of Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
The primary use of sulfacetamide ophthalmic is to treat bacterial eye infections. These infections can affect various parts of the eye, including:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- Dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac)
Healthcare providers may also prescribe sulfacetamide ophthalmic for other purposes not listed here. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and use the medication only for its intended purpose.
Can sulfacetamide ophthalmic be used for all types of eye infections?
No, sulfacetamide ophthalmic is specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections. It will not be effective against viral or fungal infections. If you’re unsure about the cause of your eye infection, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Proper Administration of Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
Correct application of sulfacetamide ophthalmic is essential for its effectiveness and to minimize potential side effects. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this medication:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the medication.
- Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- For eye drops: Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head tilted down.
- For ointment: Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink gently and keep your eye closed for 1-2 minutes.
- Use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess medication from your eyelashes.
- Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other prescribed eye drops.
Is it safe to use contact lenses while using sulfacetamide ophthalmic?
It’s generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses while using sulfacetamide ophthalmic. The medication may contain preservatives that can discolor soft contact lenses. If you must wear contacts, wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before inserting them.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While sulfacetamide ophthalmic is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects. Common side effects include:
- Temporary burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Mild itching or redness
These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.
When should you seek immediate medical attention?
Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Additionally, contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of a new or worsening eye infection, including increased eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, or discharge.
Precautions and Contraindications
Before using sulfacetamide ophthalmic, inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, especially to sulfa drugs. This medication should not be used if you have a known allergy to sulfacetamide or other sulfa-based medications.
The safety of sulfacetamide ophthalmic during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Is sulfacetamide ophthalmic safe for children?
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic should not be given to children younger than 2 months old. For older children, follow your pediatrician’s instructions carefully, as dosing may differ from adult recommendations.
Drug Interactions and Special Considerations
While sulfacetamide ophthalmic is applied locally to the eye, it’s still important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re currently taking, including other eye drops or ointments. Some medications may interact with sulfacetamide, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Can sulfacetamide ophthalmic be used with other eye medications?
If you’re prescribed multiple eye medications, it’s crucial to space their application. Generally, wait at least 10 minutes between applying different eye medications. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding the use of multiple eye treatments.
Storage and Handling of Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
Proper storage and handling of sulfacetamide ophthalmic are essential to maintain its effectiveness and prevent contamination. Here are some guidelines:
- Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
- Do not freeze the medication.
- Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
- Do not use the medication if it has changed color or contains particles.
- Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or tube to any surface, including your eye, to prevent contamination.
How long can sulfacetamide ophthalmic be used after opening?
The shelf life of opened sulfacetamide ophthalmic varies depending on the specific product and formulation. Generally, eye drops should be discarded 4 weeks after opening, while ointments may last longer. Always check the product label or consult your pharmacist for specific guidance on expiration dates.
Monitoring and Follow-up
While using sulfacetamide ophthalmic, it’s important to monitor your condition and follow up with your healthcare provider as directed. If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen after a few days of treatment, contact your doctor.
Regular check-ups allow your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments. They can also monitor for potential side effects or complications.
How long does it typically take for sulfacetamide ophthalmic to work?
The time it takes for sulfacetamide ophthalmic to show noticeable improvement can vary depending on the severity and type of infection. Generally, you may start to see improvement within a few days of starting treatment. However, it’s important to complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic is an effective treatment for various bacterial eye infections when used correctly. By understanding its proper use, potential side effects, and necessary precautions, patients can maximize the benefits of this medication while minimizing risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome in treating your eye condition.
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
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Generic name: sulfacetamide ophthalmic [ SUL-fa-SEET-a-mide-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Bleph-10, Cetamide, Isopto Cetamide, Sodium Sulamyd, Sulf-10,
… show all 12 brands
AK-Sulf, Ocusulf-10, Sulfac 10%, Sulfacet Sodium, Ocu-Sul 10, Ocu-Sul 15, Ocu-Sul 30
Dosage forms: ophthalmic ointment (10%), ophthalmic solution (10%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 1, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is sulfacetamide ophthalmic?
Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic.
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
sulfacetamide ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal infection. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is for use only in treating eye infections caused by bacteria.
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic if you are allergic to sulfacetamide.
To make sure sulfacetamide ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether sulfacetamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 months old.
How should I use sulfacetamide ophthalmic?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To use this medicine:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Eye drops: Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop. Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Eye ointment: Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip. Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube. Do not place the tip directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of sulfacetamide ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using sulfacetamide ophthalmic?
sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a new or worsening eye infection: eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when sulfacetamide is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
confusion, feeling very irritable;
rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
easy bruising or bleeding;
pale skin, flu-like symptoms; or
severe skin reaction–fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects may include mild eye redness or irritation, such as stinging or burning.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect sulfacetamide ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on sulfacetamide used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.02.
Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information
pronounced as (sul fa see’ ta mide)
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Ophthalmic sulfacetamide stops the growth of bacteria that cause certain eye infections.
It is used to treat eye infections and to prevent them after injuries.
Ophthalmic sulfacetamide comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes, and an ointment to apply to the eyes. The eye drops usually are instilled every 2 to 3 hours during the day and less frequently at night; the ointment usually is applied four times a day and at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use sulfacetamide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
- While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
- Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
- While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
- Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
- If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.
- Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
To apply the eye ointment, follow these instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else; the tube tip must be kept clean.
- Holding the tube between your thumb and forefinger, place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
- Tilt your head backward slightly.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.
- Squeeze a 1/4- to 1/2-inch (0.6- to 1.25-centimeter) ribbon of ointment into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Blink your eye slowly; then gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
- With a tissue, wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap right away.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using sulfacetamide eye drops or eye ointment,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfacetamide, sulfa drugs, sulfites, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other eye medications and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using sulfacetamide, call your doctor immediately.
- you should know that your vision may be blurred during your treatment with sulfacetamide eye ointment. Avoid rubbing your eyes even if your vision is blurred. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are unable to see clearly.
- tell your doctor if you wear soft contact lenses. If the brand of sulfacetamide you are using contains benzalkonium chloride, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine to put in soft contact lenses.
Instill or apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill or apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Sulfacetamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- temporary stinging or burning of the eye
- increased redness, itching, or swelling of the eye that continues for more than 48 hours
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not let it freeze and do not use discolored eye drops (yellowish brown to deep reddish brown).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
- AK-Sulf¶
- Bleph-10®
- Bleph-30®
- Cetamide®
- Sodium Sulamyd®
- Blephamide® (containing Prednisolone, Sulfacetamide)
- FML-S® (containing Fluorometholone, Sulfacetamide)¶
- Vasocidin® (containing Prednisolone, Sulfacetamide)
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market.
Generic alternatives may be available.
Last Revised – 11/15/2015
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Sulfacetamide – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula
Contents
Structural formula
Russian name
English name
Latin name
chemical name
Gross formula
Pharmacological group of the substance Sulfacetamide
Nosological classification
CAS code
pharmachologic effect
Characteristic
Pharmacology
Application of the substance Sulfacetamide
Contraindications
Application restrictions
Side effects of Sulfacetamide
Interaction
Dosage and administration
Precautionary measures
Trade names with the active substance Sulfacetamide
Structural formula
Russian name
Sulfacetamide
English name
Sulfacetamide
Latin name
Sulfacetamidum ( born Sulfacetamidi)
Chemical name
N-[(4-Aminophenyl)sulfonyl]acetamide
General formula
C 8 H 10 N 900 69 2 O 3 S
Pharmacological group of the substance Sulfacetamide
Sulfonamides
Ophthalmic products
Nosological classification
List of ICD-10 codes
CAS code
144-80-9
Pharmacological action
Pharmacological action –
antibacterial , bacteriostatic , antimicrobial .
Characteristics
Sodium Sulfacetamide is an odorless white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. Easily soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform.
Pharmacology
Competes with para-aminobenzoic acid in the synthesis of folate, reduces the formation of dihydrofolic acid, stops the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. The spectrum of action includes gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Yersinia pestis, Chlamydia spp., Actinomyces israelii, Toxoplasma gondii .
When using ophthalmic forms, it penetrates into the tissues and fluids of the eye, is absorbed into the systemic circulation through the inflamed conjunctiva.
Use of the substance Sulfacetamide
Eye drops and ointment for external use: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, purulent corneal ulcer, prevention and treatment of blenorrhea in newborns, gonorrhea and chlamydial eye diseases in adults.
Injection solution: pneumonia, purulent tracheobronchitis, urinary tract infections.
Contraindications
History of hypersensitivity, toxic-allergic reactions to sulfonamides.
Restrictions on use
In / in the introduction is contraindicated in severe diseases of the hematopoietic system and uremia.
Substance side effects Sulfacetamide
Severe hypersensitivity reactions to sulfa drugs (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, fever, skin rash, gastrointestinal disorders, bone marrow depression).
Local reactions: burning, lacrimation, pain, itching in the eyes, allergic reactions.
Interaction
Sulfacetamide is incompatible with silver salts. Combined use with procaine and tetracaine reduces the bacteriostatic effect.
Dosage and administration
Topically, parenterally . Locally: eye drops are instilled 1-2 drops into each conjunctival sac 4-6 times a day. For the prevention of blennorrhea in newborns – 2 drops in each conjunctival sac immediately after birth and 2 drops – after 2 hours.
The ointment is applied over the eyelid 3-4 times a day.
IV slowly (over at least 5 minutes) 3-5 ml of a 30% solution twice a day with an interval of 12 hours.
Precautions
Patients with hypersensitivity to furosemide, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylurea or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be hypersensitive to sulfacetamide.
Trade names with active substance Sulfacetamide
Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?
💊 Composition of the preparation Sulfacyl sodium ✅ Application of the preparation Sulfacyl sodium Save Search for analogues Description of the active ingredients of the preparation Sulfacyl sodium The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. Update date: 2020.10.19 Marketing authorization holder: RENEWAL OF PFK JSC ATX code: S01AB04 (Sulfacetamide) Active substance: Rec.INN registered by WHO Dosage form
Release form, packaging and composition |
08.11
Prevention of infectious complications in the complex therapy of burns and injuries of the organs of vision. Prevention of blennorrhea in newborns.| A54.3 | Gonococcal eye infection |
| H01.0 | Blepharitis |
| H04.3 | Acute and unspecified inflammation of lacrimal ducts |
| H04.4 | Chronic inflammation of the lacrimal ducts |
| h20.2 | Other acute conjunctivitis |
| h20.4 | Chronic conjunctivitis |
| h20.5 | Blepharoconjunctivitis |
| h26 | Keratitis |
h30. 0 | Acute and subacute iridocyclitis (anterior uveitis) |
| h30.1 | Chronic iridocyclitis |
| P39.1 | Conjunctivitis and dacryocystitis in the newborn |
| S05 | Trauma to the eye and orbit |
| T26 | Thermal and chemical burns limited to the area of the eye and adnexa |
| Z29.2 | Other prophylactic chemotherapy (prophylactic administration of antibiotics) |
Dosing regimen
The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor.
Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed.
Apply 2-3 drops into the lower conjunctival sac of each eye 5-6 times a day.
To prevent blennorrhea in newborns, 2 drops of solution are instilled into the eyes immediately after birth and 2 drops every 2 hours.
Side effects
Possible: physical conjunctivitis, the development of superinfection, severe allergic reactions to sulfonamides (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermolysis, fulminant liver necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia).
Contraindications for use
Hypersensitivity to sulfacetamide and other sulfa drugs; children’s age up to 2 months – depending on the dosage form.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, use only after consulting a doctor, in cases where the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
Pediatric use
May be used in children according to indications, in recommended doses and dosage forms according to age. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions in the instructions for sulfacetamide preparations on contraindications for use in children of different ages of specific dosage forms of sulfacetamide.
Special instructions
Patients with hypersensitivity to furosemide, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylurea or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be hypersensitive to sulfacetamide.
Possible overgrowth of sulfanilamide-insensitive microorganisms and fungal flora.
A decrease in the antibacterial activity of sulfonamides is noted in the presence of high concentrations of para-aminobenzoic acid in the presence of a large amount of purulent discharge.
It is necessary to stop therapy in case of allergy symptoms, as well as intensification of pain and other signs of an infectious process, an increase in purulent discharge.