Sulfacetamide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Sulfacetamide?

What is sulfacetamide for?

Sulfacetamide is a drug used to treat eye infections due to bacteria (such as conjunctivitis). This drug belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. Sulfacetamide works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medicine is only for treating eye infections caused by bacteria. This medicine will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of other antibiotics can cause their effectiveness to decrease.

How is sulfacetamide used?

Before using, check the packaging of this product. If the product changes color, do not use the liquid from this product.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper or let it touch your eye or other surface. Use this medication only on the eyes. Do not swallow or inject this medicine.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to instructions, and have them checked by your doctor before you start using your contact lenses again.

Tilt your head, look down, and pull your lower eyelid into a pocket. Hold the dropper over your eye and drop this medication one drop into the eye bag as directed by your doctor. Look down, slowly close your eyes, and place a finger on the corner of your eye (near your nose). Press gently for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the drug from flowing out. Try not to blink or rub your eyes. Repeat this step for your other eye if directed by your doctor or if your dose is more than 1 drop. Wait a few minutes for your vision to become clearer before driving or operating machinery. Do not rinse the dropper. Change the cap after use.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use this drug more often at first, then use it more often to get the infection better. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Your doctor may instruct you to use sulfacetamide drops during the day and ointment at bedtime.

If you are using any other eye medication (such as drops or ointment), wait at least 5 minutes before applying any other medication. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to be absorbed into the eye.

Use this remedy regularly for best results. To help you remember using this medication, take this medication at the same time every day. Use this medication continuously for the specified time, usually 7 to 10 days. Stopping medication too quickly can allow bacteria to continue to grow, which can result in a return of infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse.

How is sulfacetamide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Sulfacetamide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the sulfacetamide dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis
Drops:
1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every 2 to 3 hours while you are still awake and may subside at night.

Ointment:
Apply a small amount to the low conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times a day and at bedtime.

Duration: 7 to 10 days.

Adult Dose for Trachoma
Drops:
2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac every 2 hours with concurrent systemic sulfonamide therapy.

What is the sulfacetamide dosage for children?

Children's Dose for Conjunctivitis
> = 2 months to 18 years:
Solution:
1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every 2 to 3 hours while the child is awake and reduce at night.
Ointment:
Apply a small amount to the lower conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times a day and at bedtime.
Duration: 7 to 10 days.

Children's Dose for Trachoma
Solution:
2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac every 2 hours with concurrent systemic sulfonamide therapy.

In what dosage is sulfacetamide available?

Ointment, as sodium: 10% (3.5 g)
Eye drops 10% (5 mL); 10% (15 ml)

Sulfacetamide side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to sulfacetamide?

Eye stinging / burning / redness and temporary blurred vision are things that might happen. If any of these effects occur or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Remember that your doctor prescribes this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefits of this medicine to you outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people use this drug and do not experience serious side effects.

Long or repeated use of this medication may result in other eye infections, including yeast infections. Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you notice new or worsening eye symptoms (such as pain, swelling, thick discharge or pus).

It is very rare for a sulfacetamide product to be used in the eye to be absorbed and can cause serious side effects. Stop using this product and tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: joint pain / swelling, rash on the nose and cheeks, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), signs of anemia (such as unusual fatigue / weakness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat), bleeding / bruising, signs of liver problems (such as dark urine, yellowing eyes / skin, stomach / stomach pain, persistent nausea, vomiting), mouth sores.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are very rare. However, seek medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching / swelling (especially face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sulfacetamide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using sulfacetamide?

Several medical conditions can interact with sulfacetamide drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially any of the following:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are using nonprescription drugs, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements
• if you have an allergy to drugs, food, or other substances
• if something comes out of your eye

Is sulfacetamide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Sulfacetamide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with sulfacetamide?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially products containing silver, as they can reduce the efficacy of sulfacetamide.

Can food or alcohol interact with sulfacetamide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with sulfacetamide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Sulfacetamide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.