Incet

Indications

Sulphacetamide Sodium (also spelled Sulfacetamide) is an antibacterial eye drop or eye ointment. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the surface of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (red, sticky eye with discharge), and infections of the eyelids. It may also be used to help prevent infection after minor eye injuries or removal of a foreign body, as advised by a doctor.

How It Works

Sulphacetamide is a sulfonamide antibiotic. Bacteria need a substance called folic acid to grow, and Sulphacetamide blocks the way they make it. This stops the bacteria multiplying, so the body can clear the infection.

Dosage and Administration

Use exactly as directed by your doctor or on the label. Eye drops are commonly used as 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 to 3 hours during the day at first, then less often as the infection improves, usually for 7 to 10 days. The ointment is often applied at night. Wash your hands, avoid touching the eye with the tip, and use the full course even if the eye looks better.

Interactions

Do not use at the same time as eye products containing silver, as they are incompatible. Local anaesthetic eye drops of the ester type (such as Tetracaine or Proxymetacaine) may reduce its effect. Leave at least 5 minutes between different eye drops.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Sulphacetamide, other sulfonamide ("sulfa") medicines or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Brief stinging or burning on application is common. Eye irritation, redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids may occur. Long use may allow other germs, such as fungi, to grow. Very rarely, sulfa medicines can cause severe skin reactions, even from eye use.

Get urgent medical help if you develop a skin rash, blistering, peeling skin, mouth sores, fever with rash, eye pain or reduced vision, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Only small amounts are absorbed from the eye. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection. If there is no improvement within a few days, or the eye gets worse, see a doctor. Do not share eye drops. Products may darken on standing; do not use if the solution has turned dark brown. Some products contain preservatives that can irritate.

Overdose

Using too many drops in the eye is unlikely to cause serious harm but may increase irritation. If a large amount is swallowed, especially by a child, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic antibacterial (sulfonamide).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep tightly closed and discard within the time stated on the pack after opening (often 4 weeks).