Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic. Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic: Uses, Side Effects, and Warnings for Eye Infections
How does sulfacetamide ophthalmic treat bacterial eye infections. What are the potential side effects of using sulfacetamide eye drops or ointment. Who should avoid using this antibiotic eye medication. How to properly administer sulfacetamide ophthalmic for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic: An Antibiotic for Eye Infections
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. It comes in two forms: eye drops and eye ointment. This medication is effective against a range of bacteria that can cause eye infections, but it’s important to note that it will not work for viral or fungal eye infections.
The active ingredient, sulfacetamide, belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonamide antibiotics. These work by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria in the eye.
Common Brand Names
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is available under various brand names, including:
- Bleph-10
- Cetamide
- Isopto Cetamide
- Sodium Sulamyd
- Sulf-10
- AK-Sulf
- Ocusulf-10
- Sulfac 10%
- Sulfacet Sodium
- Ocu-Sul 10
- Ocu-Sul 15
- Ocu-Sul 30
Proper Usage and Administration of Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
Correct administration of sulfacetamide ophthalmic is crucial for its effectiveness and to minimize side effects. How should you use this medication?
Eye Drops Administration
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down.
- Look up and away from the dropper, then squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head tipped down.
- Gently press your finger to the inner corner of the eye for about 1 minute.
Eye Ointment Application
- Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing towards the lower eyelid pocket.
- Look up and away from the tip.
- Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the eye.
- Blink gently and keep the eye closed for 1-2 minutes.
- Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.
Is it safe to use contact lenses while using sulfacetamide ophthalmic? No, you should not wear contact lenses while using this medication. The preservatives in the eye drops can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication before inserting your lenses.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While sulfacetamide ophthalmic is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. What are the most common side effects of this medication?
- Temporary stinging or burning in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye redness or irritation
- Watery eyes
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Symptoms of a new or worsening eye infection (increased eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, or discharge)
Precautions and Contraindications
Are there individuals who should not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic? Yes, this medication is contraindicated in certain cases:
- Individuals with a known allergy to sulfacetamide or other sulfa drugs
- Children younger than 2 months old
- Pregnant women, unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk (discuss with your doctor)
If you’re breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using this medication, as it’s unknown whether it passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing infant.
Drug Interactions and Special Considerations
While sulfacetamide ophthalmic is applied locally to the eye, it’s still important to be aware of potential drug interactions and special considerations.
Potential Drug Interactions
Can sulfacetamide ophthalmic interact with other medications? While topical eye medications generally have a low risk of systemic interactions, it’s always best to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including:
- Other eye drops or ointments
- Oral antibiotics
- Any systemic medications
Your doctor may advise you to space out the application of different eye medications. Typically, you should wait at least 10 minutes between applying different eye drops.
Special Populations
How should sulfacetamide ophthalmic be used in special populations?
- Elderly: No specific dosage adjustments are typically needed, but elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects.
- Pregnancy: Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
- Breastfeeding: Caution is advised. Consult your doctor before use.
- Children: Not recommended for infants under 2 months old.
Proper Storage and Handling of Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
Correct storage and handling of sulfacetamide ophthalmic are crucial to maintain its effectiveness and prevent contamination. How should you store this medication?
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
- Do not freeze
- Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use
- Do not use if the liquid has changed colors or contains particles
- Discard the medication if it’s past the expiration date
To prevent contamination, avoid touching the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube to any surface, including your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube can lead to eye infections.
Monitoring and Follow-up During Treatment
When using sulfacetamide ophthalmic, it’s important to monitor your condition and follow up with your healthcare provider. How should you track your progress?
- Keep all scheduled appointments with your eye doctor
- Report any worsening of symptoms or lack of improvement after a few days of treatment
- Inform your doctor of any new symptoms or side effects
- Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished
If your symptoms persist or worsen after completing the prescribed course of sulfacetamide ophthalmic, consult your healthcare provider. They may need to reassess your condition and consider alternative treatments.
Alternatives to Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic
While sulfacetamide ophthalmic is effective for many bacterial eye infections, it’s not the only option available. What are some alternatives to this medication?
- Erythromycin ophthalmic
- Tobramycin ophthalmic
- Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic
- Gentamicin ophthalmic
- Moxifloxacin ophthalmic
The choice of antibiotic depends on various factors, including the specific bacteria causing the infection, local resistance patterns, and individual patient factors. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Combination Therapies
In some cases, sulfacetamide ophthalmic may be used in combination with other medications. For instance, it’s sometimes combined with prednisolone, a corticosteroid, to treat inflammatory eye conditions with a bacterial component. However, such combinations should only be used under close medical supervision.
Remember, while over-the-counter eye drops may provide temporary relief for minor eye irritations, they are not a substitute for prescription antibiotics like sulfacetamide ophthalmic when treating bacterial eye infections. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.
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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Further information
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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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.