Indications
Sulfacetamide Sodium eye drops (and eye ointment in some products) are used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye with sticky discharge) and other surface eye infections, and sometimes to help prevent infection after minor eye injury. They do not work for viral or fungal eye infections.
How It Works
Sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It blocks bacteria from using para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to make folic acid, which they need to grow and multiply. This stops the bacteria from spreading, allowing the body’s defences to clear the infection.
Dosage and Administration
Use as prescribed or as directed on the label. For drops, adults and children usually instil 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye every 2 to 3 hours during the day, reducing as the infection improves; the usual course is about 7 to 10 days. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and place the drops without touching the tip to the eye. Close the eye gently for a minute and press on the inner corner. Remove contact lenses during treatment.
Interactions
Do not use at the same time as eye products containing silver, as they are incompatible. Local anaesthetic eye drops such as Tetracaine (Amethocaine) may reduce its effect. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Sulfacetamide or other sulfonamide (sulfa) medicines, or to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Common effects include brief stinging or burning on application, mild irritation, redness and blurred vision. Allergic reactions such as itching or swelling of the eyelids can occur.
Get urgent medical help if you develop a widespread skin rash, blistering, peeling skin or mouth sores (rare but serious reactions to sulfa medicines), severe eye pain, worsening vision, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. See a doctor if the infection does not improve within 2 to 3 days.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Very little is absorbed from eye drops, but use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if advised by a doctor, especially near the end of pregnancy.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination. Do not share eye drops. Do not use if the solution has turned dark brown. Prolonged use may allow growth of resistant germs or fungi. Do not drive until blurred vision clears.
Overdose
Using too many drops in the eye is unlikely to cause harm beyond irritation; rinse with clean water. If swallowed, seek medical advice, especially for a child.
Therapeutic Class
Ophthalmic sulfonamide antibacterial
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and discard 4 weeks after opening or as stated on the label.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.