Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and the ophthalmic solution contains sulfacetamide which is a sulfonamide antibiotic that is used as a topical ophthalmic treatment for mild ocular infections.

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and ophthalmic solution Uses:

• Ocular infections:

  • Ophthalmic ointment and solution:

    • Treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible microorganisms: i.e Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.

  • Ophthalmic solution:

    • Treatment of trachoma as an adjunctive to systemic sulfonamide therapy

Limitations of use:

• Topically applied sulfonamides do not provide optimal coverage against
  • Neisseria species,
  • Serratia marcescens and
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates also show completely resistant to sulfa drugs.

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops Dose in Adults

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and ophthalmic solution Dose in the treatment of Conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections:

• Note: Taper dose by increasing dosage time interval as the condition responds; usual duration of treatment is 7 to 10 days:
• Ophthalmic solution: Instill 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 3 hours
• Ophthalmic ointment: Apply ~ 1/2 -inch ribbon every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and ophthalmic solution Dose in the treatment of Trachoma:

• Ophthalmic solution:
  • Instill 2 drops every 2 hours;
  • must be used in conjunction with systemic therapy

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops Dose in Childrens

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and ophthalmic solution Dose in the treatment of Conjunctivitis:

• Infants ≥2 months, Children, and Adolescents: Ophthalmic:

  • Ointment:

    • Instill / inch ribbon into the lower conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime;
    • increase dosing interval as condition responds.
    • The Ointment may be used as an adjunct to the solution;
    • The usual duration of treatment: 7 to 10 days

  • Solution:

    • Instill 1 to 2 drops into the lower conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) every 2 to 3 hours initially;
    • increase dosing interval as the condition responds;
    • The usual duration of treatment: 7 to 10 days

Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and ophthalmic solution Dose in the treatment of Trachoma:

• Infants ≥2 months, Children, and Adolescents:

  • Ophthalmic: Solution:
    • Instill 2 drops every 2 hourly into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s).
    • must be used in conjunction with systemic therapy

Pregnancy Risk Category: C

• Studies on animal reproduction have not yet been done.
• Systemic sulfonamides may cause kernicterus in the baby if they are used during pregnancy.

Sulfacetamide use during breastfeeding:

• It is unknown exactly how much systemic absorption occurs after ophthalmic administration.
• Systemic sulfonamides may cause kernicterus in infants who are exposed to them during lactation.
• However, it is unknown how much systemic absorption occurs after ophthalmic administration.
• According to the drug manufacturer breast-feeding should be considered during therapy.
• It must also take into account the risks to the infant as well as the benefits to the mother.

Sulfacetamide eye drops dose in kidney disease:

Not mentioned in the manufacturer's labeling.

Sulfacetamide eye drops in patients with liver disease:

Doses have not been mentioned in the manufacturer's labeling.

Side effects of Sulfacetamide:

• Cardiovascular:

  • Edema

• Hypersensitivity:

  • Hypersensitivity Reaction

• Neuromuscular & Skeletal:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Ophthalmic:

  • Burning Sensation Of Eyes
  • Conjunctival Hyperemia
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal Ulcer
  • Eye Irritation
  • Stinging Of Eyes

Contraindications to Sulfacetamide eye drops and ointments:

• Hypersensitivity/hyper-responsiveness to sulfonamides or any active component of the formulation.
• Limited evidence exists of allergenic cross-reactivity with sulfonamides.
• Cross-sensitivity can be possible due to chemical similarities and/or similarities within pharmacologic actions.

Warnings and precautions

• Blood dyscrasias:

  • Sulfonamides have been linked to severe reactions (rarely fatalities), such as agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia.
  • If you feel that there is a serious reaction, discontinue.

• Dermatologic reactions

  • Many sulfonamides have caused severe reactions (rarely fatalities) such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrosis.
  • Stop using the product at the first sign that you feel rashes.

• Hepatic necrosis

  • Sulfonamides have been linked to fatalities in rare cases of fulminant liver necrosis.
  • If you feel that there is a serious reaction, discontinue.

• Allergy to sulfonamide

  • There are chemical similarities between sulfonamides and sulfonylureas as well as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (except ethacrynic acids) and loop diuretics (except for thiazides).
  • Product labeling specifically forbids use in patients suffering from sulfonamide allergy
  • However, patients who have an allergy to any of the drugs may be at risk of a cross-reaction.
  • Avoid using if the reaction is severe.

• Superinfection

  • Long-term use can lead to the growth of non-susceptible organisms such as fungi.
  • If you suspect superinfection, seek out appropriate treatment.

Monitoring parameters:

• Response to therapy,
• hypersensitivity reactions

How to administer Sulfacetamide Eye Drops and Ointments?

Ophthalmic:

• Avoid contact with skin or eye by tube or bottle tip.
• Instill sulfacetamide into the conjunctival sac.

Solution:

• Apply finger pressure to lacrimal sac during and for 1 to 2 mints following the instillation of the solution to decrease the risk of absorption and systemic effects.
• For the treatment of trachoma, use must be in conjunction with systemic therapy.

Ointment:

• May be used as an adjunct to the ophthalmic solution.

Mechanism of action of Sulfacetamide:

• Through competitive antagonism of PABA, inhibits bacterial folic acids synthesis

Start of action:

• Conjunctivitis relief is often seen in 3 to 6 days.

International Brand of Sulfacetamide (Ophthalmic):

• Bleph-10
• Odan-Sulfacetamide
• PMS-Sulfacetamide Na [DSC]
• PMS-Sulfacetamide Sod [DSC]
• Sodium Sulamyd
• Acetopt
• Albucid
• Antebor
• Apisulfa
• Apisulpha-20
• Blef-10
• Blef-10 con lagrifilm
• Bleph-10
• Bleph-30
• Dermaseb
• Dermaser
• Isopto Cetamide
• Locula
• Optal
• Opthmid
• Paraqueimol
• Riacetamid
• Sulfacet Sodium
• SulfacidE
• Sulfaclan
• Sulfacyl
• Sulfex
• Synsul
• Vitasul

Sulfacetamide (Ophthalmic) Brand Names in Pakistan: